BUKIT Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid today expressed worry over the rise of religious rhetoric and blind conservatism in Malaysia,

She said Malaysia has become more divided since the general election.

“We find ourselves in a battle between the moderates and the extremists.

“Opposition lawmakers have released a variety of statements to attack our democratic institution by casting doubt over the validity of the Pakatan Harapan-led unity government,” she said in a statement.

She said these parties have demonised inclusion and secularism.

For example, she said, PAS’ Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal had defended his party’s stance on religious hegemony, claiming that secularism would never be acceptable in a Malay-Muslim nation. 

“Sentiments like his are echoed and repeated to keep society in a constant loop of misinformation,” said Syerleena, who is also the Seri Delima assemblyman

The DAP lawmaker said it was in every Malaysian’s interest to keep the country on a moderate path.

“We need to understand that extremism must never be the foundation of public policies and our rights as citizens will be better protected when we are able to curtail bigotry from our institutions.”

“Studies show that people with racist attitudes do not mingle with those outside their social circle, thus limiting their cultural exposure, which then augments our differences in a way that can take social paranoia to destructive levels.

“When you include opportunistic political leaders and organisations who continuously exploit these insecurities – it is a recipe for disaster.”

She said the narrative for rebuilding the nation should be based on facts, science, and reason. 

“As our nation comes to terms with the ideals of mature politics and a broad coalition consisting of members of rival parliamentary groups, logic, prudence, and empathy must always stand at the forefront of policy- and decision-making.

“When extremism is legitimised, it makes it very difficult for a nation to unite; and when bigotry is institutionalised, our nation will never undergo the healing it needs,” said Syerleena.

“If our battlecry for GE15 was to save Malaysia, then the post-GE15 battlecry must be rooted in preserving our moderate middle ground and protecting Malaysia from the overzealous bigots who are bent on restricting our rights and values.” – December 24, 2022.