I AM in full agreement with Amanah vice-president Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa’s proposal that the time has come for Malaysia to do away with race and religion-based politics.

Mujahid was quoted by The Malaysian Insight yesterday at the Electoral Reforms for the 14th general election forum organised by Bersih 2.0 Northern Region at the Caring Society Complex in Penang to have said:

“I suggest that we make sure that there will no longer be political parties that are race-based and religion-based. If we can do that, we will be able to bring a big change to Malaysia.”

Such a proposal was also mooted by the late Karpal Singh in November 2013, who suggested that such racial and raced based parties were a setback to the country’s unity and that the way forward was for multiracial parties to form the future of the country (The Star Online, November 6, 2013).

There can be no doubt that the value of multiracial parties is immense in this country having regard to its multiracial identity which has stood the test of time since Independence.

Such an approach would not compromise the delicate balance between different ethnicities and races in this country.

On the contrary, it would certainly enhance greater unity between the races since politics will be seen as a means toward the betterment of the country regardless of race, religion or creed.

It is heartening to note Amanah’s stand on the matter being a component party of Pakatan Harapan.

Coming from a multiracial party myself, it is hoped the matter is given due consideration as, to borrow Mujahid’s words, “If we can do that (end race and religion based political parties), we will be able to bring a big change to Malaysia.” – May 25, 2017.

* Ramkarpal Singh is the DAP Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor.

* 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.