ALMOST all Malaysians were shocked and deeply disappointed by the divisive discussions that took place at the recent Rise of the Ummah convention.

It was even more depressing to hear that former senior education officer Raof Husin had urged the government to “return the exclusive right of government scholarships to Bumiputera students and do not give them to others”.

For crying out loud! With this attitude against national unity, what was Raof doing through his long career in education?

I wonder how he got away with this attitude. Has he got many followers?

This stance leads to the public asking the legitimate question: is the government condoning this negativity and divisiveness?

The other shocker emerging from this conservative convention was the equally damaging statement by Gerakan Pembela Ummah chairman Ismail Mina Ahmad, who reportedly tried to erase the patriotic contributions and ultimate sacrifice by non-Malay members of the army and police in defence of the country.

It is unthinkable how anyone can be so unfair and discriminatory to fellow Malaysian citizens – unless, of course, they are blatantly racial.

Commendable reaction

It is most welcome that MCA president Liow Tiong Lai met with 90 civic groups and roundly asserted the importance of equal opportunity be given to all to attain a high level of education.

It is also laudable that the secular group Bebas spokesman Azrul Mohd Khalib has called on Malaysians to reject the demands of this narrow, negative and conservative convention. 

Bebas has rightly pointed to “the real need to focus on the future, where we do not need to depend on racial discrimination and bigotry to succeed”.

It is a rational thought.

Other individuals and organisations have also spoken up.

The Malaysian Consultative Council on Buddhism, Christianity, Sikhism and Taoism president R.S. Mohan Shan, MIC treasurer-general S. Vell Paari, and MCA Religious Harmony Bureau chairman Ti Lian Ker have all stoutly criticised this threat to national unity from the conservative convention.

But with all this furore, the government has been surprisingly quiet so far.

Why so? Is it because of the approaching general election?

On the contrary, the government should come out against such racist remarks.

Right thinking Malaysians and voters expect the government to state its firm stand against these divisive and disruptive remarks that are against historical facts, national unity and the future of non-Malays.

Both Raof and Ismail have violated the spirit of our constitution and the Rukunegara, which provide the foundations for national unity, fairness, justice and socioeconomic progress.

Shouldn’t the government take the lead by expressing its official stand against these attempts to cause public disharmony and even unrest?

In fact, the authorities could be reasonably expected to take the appropriate legal actions against those who undermine national unity.

Many Malaysians would appeal to the government to please be fair and inclusive, and to actively promote national unity. This is particularly pertinent before the general election.

This positive move by the government would benefit all patriotic Malaysians, who would be grateful for its leadership in promoting greater peace and harmony.

* Ramon Navaratnam is chairman of the Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies.

* 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.