NEW Malaysia has a problem — this much we have to acknowledge. The problem — as pointed out by politicians and academicians — is what appears to be a growing polarisation or fragmentation of Malaysian communities which are intolerant of one another. Both sides see the other as flawed and neither wants to compromise.
There are Malaysians who believe that those who are not on the “same page” are not only misguided, but whose views are so extreme that they have to protest at all costs. And it does not matter where the protest is staged, at schools, open spaces, or even during a prestigious event.
Take the recent protest by a graduand at Universiti Malaya’s convocation ceremony. Some are saying the incident is a prime example of polarisation rearing its ugly head. Apparently the Malay Dignity Congress held a week earlier had triggered it. Some adjudged the congress to be an affront to Malaysian sensibilities. They further concluded that the UM vice-chancellor should not have been there. It was also alleged that he had uttered a racist remark. Did he?
This newspaper received a copy of the vice-chancellor’s so-called racist speech. Yes, he talked about the Malay political leadership and Malay dignity. He also spoke of how Malays, in today’s challenging world, needed to work harder to ensure their survival. Most importantly, he ended his speech with the hope that all Malaysians would collectively work towards developing this country. Clearly, the graduand was unable to grasp what the vice-chancellor was trying to convey. Yet, he raged that the vice-chancellor is racist. He was not alone; keyboard warriors blindly joined in and a polarised society was infuriated.
To what do we owe this polarisation? A freer Malaysia? Economic disparity? The popularity of social media and the crisis of journalism and traditional media may have a hand in encouraging it. Posts are made viral, the more radical the post, the more agitated netizens become. You are either with or against us. Such racialist tendencies make it difficult to reach a compromise.
How do we bridge this gap? Time for introspection. We should not dwell on the UM fracas — it happened. Let’s talk about our differences. Taking a step back and understanding each other’s wants and needs is key to making progress.
The nation should also launch into a series of solidarity dialogues. Malaysians are now freer to voice their dissatisfaction. It’s a right, but there is a time and place for it. Protests by students in Western countries, for example, are not uncommon, but they are not staged during functions. A convocation is a time to honour educational achievements, not a place to hold protests or carry placards. There must be a threshold beyond which we should not cross because it goes against all human decency. Clichéd as it may sound, but with freedom comes responsibility.
This Leader, however, agrees that steps are being taken to address polarisation with renewed vigour. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s vision of shared prosperity is the road map to bridging economic disparity, which, as recorded in history, had led to gross disunity.
Malaysians should realise the flawed mentality brought by polarisation. Too much is at stake if we surrender to it. In true Malaysian spirit, let’s band together to combat this scourge.