Malaysia’s political landscape has become increasingly dominated by divisive rhetoric, with race and religion being weaponised for political gain by certain far-right politicians.
This dangerous game threatens not just social harmony but the nation’s economic future.
Worse, few political leaders appear concerned about the intellectual bankruptcy among certain politicians – veterans and upstarts alike – whose divisive rhetoric widens the polarisation in society today.
What is astonishing is directives and guidelines (for badges, dress codes etc) are issued that paper over the divide fuelled by these unscrupulous politicians.
Recent incidents highlight this troubling pattern – eg the KK Mart episode, the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple land issue, and the Sin Chew Daily national flag gaffe. These episodes become a convenient opportunity for some to drum up communal support.
These types of issues matter to right-wing nationalists in their game for power and control.
Malaysia once proudly marketed itself as “Truly Asia” – a celebration of our multicultural identity. But as long as the national leadership is unable to rein in divisive voices, politicians exploiting race and religion will persist with their toxic rhetoric.
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If we continue to head this way, Malaysia will not only experience a brain drain but a brain bleed. In 2023, the brain drain stood at 5.5% of the population – much higher than the global average of 3.3%.
Given the weaknesses in our education system, how will we cope with rapid technological changes, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and stiff competition from neighbours like Indonesia and Vietnam? How will we cope with looming global economic and political instability?
The reality on the ground in some places is disturbing. In rural communities, children drop out of school because their parents cannot afford transport. Single mothers struggle to care for their children while working long hours as production operators.
Practical issues like this affect many young people. Unfortunately, they receive far less political attention than the contrived controversies drummed up by divisive politicians.
That said, there are many bright spots that deserve not just acknowledgement but celebration. Community-level initiatives show that many ordinary people consistently reject divisive narratives. Interfaith buka puasa (breaking of fast) events bring people together across religious lines. Community gardens create shared spaces where connections blossom alongside plants. Residents’ associations host multicultural celebrations that emphasise our shared humanity.
When disasters strike, ordinary people reveal their true character – coming together regardless of background or belief. Witness how places of worship threw opened their doors to shelter victims of the recent gas fire disaster.
In places like Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang, houses of worship from different faiths stand peacefully side by side – a physical reminder that coexistence is not just possible but a lived reality for many ordinary folk. These everyday examples of harmony serve as powerful counterpoints to divisive political rhetoric.
While some community workers worry their efforts feel like a drop in the ocean, the cumulative effect of these grassroots initiatives creates ripples of change that can transform communities. Each interfaith dialogue, each community garden, each cultural celebration builds bridges that divisive rhetoric cannot easily tear down.
The federal government has initiated programmes to wipe out absolute poverty, and some state governments have implemented policies to help vulnerable communities. These efforts, though still developing, represent important steps toward addressing underlying inequalities that fuel division, even though deeper structural problems like low wages exist.
What Malaysia needs now is to amplify the positive developments, tackle unjust structures and revamp the education system.
When leaders show courage by rejecting the exploitation of race and religion for political gain, they create space for the Malaysia that already exists at the grassroots level to flourish nationally.
The nation faces serious challenges that require unity and focus. By channelling our energy towards overcoming systemic imbalances and through upholding collaboration rather than division, we can position ourselves to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Think of Aliran’s civil society initiative, the People’s Agenda, which highlighted five key areas we ought to focus on.
Malaysia’s potential remains enormous – our diversity is our greatest strength when we choose to embrace it. Every day, in neighbourhoods and communities across the country, the people of Malaysia demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is not only possible, it is already happening.
Everyone needs to be empowered to step up and be counted. By supporting inclusive community initiatives, speaking out against divisive rhetoric and celebrating our shared cultural heritage, we can help build a nation where differences are valued and celebrated rather than exploited.
The future of Malaysia is shaped not just in the corridors of power, but in the everyday interactions of ordinary people who choose unity over division. Together, we can create a nation that not only overcomes divisive politics but emerges as a model of multicultural success. – Aliran
22 April 2025
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