Citizens of equal status, not trespassers

Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE
Sin Chew Daily

President of newly emerged radical group Ikatan Muslim in Malaysia (Isma), Abdullah Zaik Abdullah Rahman recently made a statement, calling Malaysian Chinese "trespassers". He claimed that the British were in cohorts with the Chinese to oppress and bully the Malays, while questioning the citizenship and wealth given to the Chinese.

Prior to this, Abdullah had also warned non-Muslim not to fight against the implementation of hudud.

Although claiming itself a religious group, it is actually an extreme rightist group like Perkasa. Based on racism and narrow-minded religious view, it puts itself on a supreme position. Particularly on political and religious issues, its viewpoints tend to be conservative and closed. It excludes the status and interests of other races, while being hostile to the liberals.

The country's politics has shown a trend of polarisation and during the times with the rise of religious conservatives, groups like Isma and Perkasa are attractive in the conservative community and recognised by many people who are dissatisfied with the status quo. Once they gain support, they become more distorted and make more sensitive remarks excluding and slandering other races.

Such "trespassers" remarks are actually more lethal than "immigrants" remarks in the past, bringing a stronger intention to stir up racial sentiments.

Abdullah Zaik takes the Chinese as "trespassers" instead of citizens of equal status and he has also been trying to deny the contribution of the Chinese in the formation of the country. He claimed that the Chinese obtain citizenship and wealth through oppression and bullying others.

Such a distorted argument is not only a slander to the Chinese, but also a provocation against the national idea. Under the constitution and the national founding spirit, the status and rights of all Malaysians must be respected, and not be violated.

Calling the Chinese "trespassers" has not only hurt the feelings and dignity of Malaysian Chinese, but also misled the perception of some Malays. If such remarks are left to ferment, it will definitely destroy social harmony and trust.

It is a correct and necessary move for the police to investigate Abdullah Zaik under the Sedition Act 1948, and the people are waiting to see whether he will be charged after the investigation is completed.

If he is only investigated but not changed, it will not bring a deterrent effect. No legal action has been taken against those involved in similar cases in the past and thus, various sensational and extreme remarks have been made, challenging the rule of law, harming social harmony and unity, and victimising the country and the people.

Along with legal actions, leaders of the ruling and alternative coalitions must also publicly make clear their stand of opposing to Isma and Abdullah Zaik. It is not only to express their stand, but also convey a message that as a multi-cultural country, Malaysia must shape a united and harmonious society to maintain stability and promote progress.