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.