WIKIPEDIA describes Brickfields as “a neighbourhood located in the western flank of central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is known as Kuala Lumpur’s Little India due to the the high percentage of Indian residents and businesses. Brickfields has been ranked third in Airbnb’s list of top trending destinations”.

Many cities in the world have “Chinatowns”, but perhaps only a few have a “Little India”, and Kuala Lumpur is among them. Though the early settlers here may have been predominantly from the Indian subcontinent, the demographics have changed over the years.

What is unknown to many is that in Brickfields, there are many places of worship (close to fifteen, I think) within a small radius of not more than 3km.

Each one is unique to itself. It is not just the architecture, but also the people worshipping in these places that bring to this place a diversity hard to be matched.

Each place of worship has a story to tell because these places, which used to cater to the needs of the people living in the area, now continue to serve the people who have moved to other places because of development and expansion, but who still come back here for religious services because of some affinity to the place and the experience.

Last Saturday (February 23) was yet another feather in the cap for the residents and worshippers of Brickfields.

Religious leaders and worshippers came together on their own as early as 6.45am to begin the “Harmony Walk”, which I believe was the first of its kind in this part of Kuala Lumpur.

Peoples of different religious faiths and traditions decided to visit, though only very briefly, the different places of worship and be welcomed warmly by each other.

The people of Brickfields decided to break away from prejudices, stereotyping, and even barriers that could have existed, and showed that religion can be a force to unite fellow Malaysians in a way that politicians fail miserably.

What was obvious, and to me, even noteworthy, was that no politicians were invited and none to be seen on that day for a photo-shoot opportunity.

For far too long, politicians have manipulated religion and its leaders for their benefit, at the expense of us, the citizens. Politicians have mastered the art of “hijacking” citizens’ initiatives for their own purposes. I am glad to not have seen any on that day!

History has shown over and over that religion and politics can be a lethal combination when it falls into wrong hands – a fact that we have come to see and experience here in Malaysia.

Psychologists in the 1960s spoke of a “third force”, later a term that came to be used by politicians. In a country where there are two coalitions out to destroy each other at whatever costs and means, we need a “third force” – the ordinary Malaysian is our “third force”. If we set our minds and hearts in this direction, change can be a continuous reality.

It is not enough for ordinary Malaysians to have gone out to vote at GE14 and now sit back and criticise the present government. It is akin to the Italian proverb, “if you spit in the air it will only hit you in the face” (“chi sputa in su, lo sputo gli torno sul viso”).

It is not the time to expect all will be made right with this new government.

Initiatives like this taken by the people of Brickfields must be lauded and emulated. Let politicians take care of the issues concerning the governance of Malaysia and leave ordinary Malaysians to work on harmony and peace among peoples in everyday life. It must be our duty for the posterity of this country.

Citizens’ initiatives in small localities are perhaps the way to rebuild Malaysia. No politicians, no guests of honour, and no celebrities.

All it needs is for ordinary Malaysians from all walks of life to come together to write a new narrative for this beloved Malaysia. As shown by the people of Brickfields, it doesn’t take much.

As one journalist wrote, “I believe the good vibes that were acted here during the walk yesterday will bear fruits in yet unseen ways for a long time.” Kudos Brickfields! – February 25, 2019.

* Dr Clarence Devadass is a Catholic priest and director of the Catholic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Moral education is an issue close to his heart. He focuses on paving resourceful ways to promote virtues for living in a multireligious society, for a significant life together.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.