Wednesday, December 2, 2015

FESTIVALS AND GREETINGS
by K.Siladass


The advice by the Sultan of Johore that there is nothing wrong for Muslims to greet and share the joys of non-Muslims festivals is timely. Racial and religious polarisation had indeed peaked beyond our belief thus threatening to destroy the very foundation that this country was shaped into existence. The racial and religious polarisation trend began some time ago and there is no sign of it being abated.

Before the eighties the shared experience and respect amongst all races were there to see; but, since then the shared respect has lost its sheen substituted with hatred and distrust culminating along dangerous divisive attitudes.

Since Merdeka there developed a sentiment, a feeling, a desire, an understanding amongst all races notwithstanding their religious backgrounds that we are here to live and die. There was strong element of acceptance by all races, there was mutual trust and friendship was reciprocated. Where did those elements of human understanding vanish? Why did they vanish? Who was the cause for it to vanish?

We have to re-discover ourselves as human beings caring for one another, respect one another-not create a wall of hatred and nurture it.

Not long ago, the local authorities in Johore would display seasonal greeting for all festivals. Such a goodwill had disappeared. Malacca still adheres to respect all festivals of all races and religions. Could the Johore local authorities adhere and respect the Sultan’s advice and display seasonal greetings to show that we are part of a large multi-racial, multi-religion and multi-cultural society.

Dated this 2nd December 2015.


WHERE IS PAS?


by K.Siladass
2nd December 2015

While there is much to think about the call by PKR Deputy President Azmin Ali to open the newly formed opposition coalition to receive other like minded parties such as PAS, Parti Socialis and others from East Malaysia, the difficulty seems to center upon the guidelines and terms of like mindedness.

Azmin Ali should not forget that DAP and PAS could not get along because PAS harped on the introduction of hudud although the opposition that generated was very vocal. Not only DAP but BN parties too could not agree with the introduction of hudud. PAS is insisting on hudud and was prepared to court UMNO on this issue. PAS seems prepared to sacrifice the Malaysian identity DAP and others are canvasing and showed an apparent unitive attitude towards UMNO and all the wrong things it stood for.

The non-Malay Malaysians supported PAS because of its alliance with multi-racial parties, and there was a belief PAS would tread a moderate Islamist role instead of convincing the Malaysians that the road to heaven is by joining PAS or supporting it.

While all Malaysians who carry the interests of the country and harmony in their bosoms they will definitely would not want PAS gaining upper hand at the polls at the expense of their false pretences. Azmin Ali should consider the wider interests of Malaysia and its people, and if at best he should not try to straighten the camel’s back – which is, you cannot change or anticipate any change from PAS politicians.