BN & PR MUST JOINTLY SPEARHEAD REFORMS TO REJECT RACE & RELIGIOUS BASED POLITICAL PARTY

In recent times, Malaysians have seen the escalation of racist and religious extremism in our country.

There had been many suggestions to ease the escalation of the tension among Malaysians caused by such extremism including the enactment of laws to govern race relations to deter racist taunts and to revamp the education system in our country. Even our Prime Minister, Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak have advised Malaysians not to question the social contract that had been formulated since our country’s independence.

It was also reported today that DAP’s adviser YB Lim Kit Siang had urged the government to launch a nationwide campaign “Say No To Racism”.

Undoubtedly, everyone in Malaysia, whether supportive of Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat wants to eradicate the racial and religious tension in this country.

The introduction of laws governing race relations and the “Say No To Racism” nationwide campaign should be welcomed (though it should also include “Say No To Religious Extremism”).

However, these are all mere short term measures that may not solve the underlying problem.

I believe that the root of the cause of growing racist and religious extremism is the political landscape in our country.

The existence of race and religious based political party in our country would indirectly promote the existence of individuals who would champion their respective race and religion.

It is near to impossible to eradicate racist and religious extremism if the political landscape in our country still permits the existence of race based or religious based political party.

Now, in the interest of Malaysians, both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat should jointly commit to draw a roadmap to stop the existence of race and religious based political party within their coalition and this country. Such reforms should cover the amendments of the objectives in the constitution of such race and religious based political party

It cannot be denied that there are currently no provisions under the law that prohibits the existence of race and religious based political party. However, that should not be a reason for any race and religious based party to reject reforms within itself for the interest of all Malaysians.