I would like to respond to MCA’s statement that the H355 Rally will divide the nation.
It is a gathering by the Muslim for the Muslims to show their solidarity towards the need to empower their Syariah court to the requirement of the Quran. How is it that a gathering for the Muslims by the Muslims is going to divide the nation? In fact it would be good for Non- Muslim to attend the H355 and independently seek the truth for themselves.
MCA’s stand in not respecting the requirement of the Islam religion which is not at all associated with Non- Muslims will definitely bring about the divide. This kind of attitude will only create discontentment amongst the Malay Muslim community and that is likened to playing with fire. The H355 rally must be seen in the context of a religious issue, not a political one.
It is a gathering equivalent to the Maulidul Rasul Rally, let the Muslims fulfil their religious obligations so that we could fulfil ours accordingly.
Communal politics is the greatest enemy of unity. It brings about the divide not the H355 Rally. MCA must shun communal politics and work on politics based on distributive justice.
The religion of the Constitution is Islam and our country is dominated by about 65 % Malay Muslim. That’s the reality. We the minorities must not be seen as challenging the rights of a Muslim, this can be counter- productive and disastrous for the betterment of our nation.
Unity of the nation can and only be achieved if all of us have the respect for one’s belief and work towards inculcating our respective religious values in building a safe and prosperous nation.
MCA is probably worried that on the long run the Syariah law will also be imposed on the Non- Muslims. That’s merely perception, and perception on sensitive issues is another factor that can divide the people. The Syariah law can never be imposed on Non -Muslim simply because the Non- Muslims are not bind by the Quran as they are also not bind to pray 5 times a day , fast during Ramadhan and pay ‘Zakat” , to mention a few.
MCA and the other not so Islam friendly political party and NGO must first learn to respect the religious rights of their Muslims brethren , then and only then can we earn their respect in our beliefs and rights.
We will have to work together with our Malay brethren to achieve our goals in building our community. Confrontation approach in dealing with their religious right can be very detrimental to this fact. Consultative approach would be better and safe. Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity teaches us to resolves issues based on consultative approach. Nonetheless , the best approach for the Non- Muslim to do in this particular issue, if there are not in support of H355 is to remain silent.
Leaders of wealth, honour and power must have the best possible regard for the respect of religion. Religion is a manifest light and a strong fortress for the protection and tranquillity of the people of our nation. Fairness, justice , respect for one’s religion must be the guiding principle for peace to prevail . Let God be our witness.
Dr Balachandran Gopal Krishnan
National Information Chief,
PAS Supporters Congress
