THE Association for Community and Dialogue welcomes the statement by Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman that an attack on Chinese and Indians is an attack on all Malaysians. This follows the latest inflammatory remarks by Zakir Naik questioning the loyalty of the local Hindus to the prime minister, and asking the Chinese, whom he regards as old guests, to leave the country too if he is compelled to leave.

The Bersatu Youth chief has basically asserted the youth politics of the future in this country where solidarity and common good prevail over ethno-religious divisive polemics. His statement is significant for the future of Malaysia for the following reasons.

Firstly, the minister is asserting a fundamental principle of coexistence which is solidarity among all ethnic communities. The sense of solidarity among Malaysians would place us a in a strong footing in meeting global economic and social changes that are technologically and ecologically driven. This would help us focus on the essentials, using our ethnic diversity as a strength. 

For example, Indian and China are our biggest market and we could use our vernacular language strengths to engage economically with these nations. We become far more competitive because of diversity. This takes precedence over ethnic sentiments and mediocrity.

Secondly, by reaffirming solidarity in a multi-ethnic and religious Malaysia we could withstand foreign interference in our internal politics, whether it comes from foreigner call Zakir Naik or big powers like the United States and China. By allowing a foreigner to take advantage of our precarious ethnic relations is akin to surrendering our sovereignty even though it might be merely from an Individual. 

One should pay heed to countries like Syria and Iraq where internal confrontational politics between the Shia, Sunni Muslims and Kurds has been manipulated by foreign powers for their own ends. Such a scenario is possible in Malaysia polemics over ethno-religious superiority persists.

Thirdly, a sense of solidarity would help to address poverty and marginalisation among communities from Malaysian angle rather than ethnic angle. Economic empowerment and aid would be for the most deserving and this would bring down the gap between the rich and the poor.

Finally, by saying that an attack on the Chinese and Indians is an attack on all, the minister is creating a foundation for the politics of the future imbued in solidarity that broadens the scope of politics, where there could be focus on issues related to the environment where the health of Mother Earth is seen as far more crucial to for future generations rather being occupied race and religious issues.

Therefore, the statement from the youth and sports minister is significant for the country in the context ethno-religious politics played up by irresponsible politicians. It is hoped that youth in the country could take a clue from Syed Saddiq and begin a new chapter that is more focused on solidarity among all ethnic groups rather that ethno-eligious identity politics that causes fellow Malaysians to see one another as threats. – August 14, 2019.

*Ronald Benjamin is Association for Community and Dialogue secretary.

* 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.