Transcending
Communalism by Dato’ Hj. Fadzil Mohd. Noor Presiden PAS
Recent political developments have once again triggered a sense of public confusion and discomfort. This time around, the issue is the 17-Point Elections Appeal submitted by the Chinese Associations of Malaysia (Suqiu) at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on 16 August 2000. The Appeal, among other things touched on the status of Malays and Bumiputeras. Suqiu’s appeal followed Deputy Chairman of MAPEN II, David Chua’s alleged questioning of the special rights of Malays. An extremely strident UMNO Youth then came out with a memorandum dismissing the appeal as being malicious and seditious and subsequently warned that, “UMNO Youth will not be responsible if Suqiu’s reaction provokes ethnic estrangement that threatens national security.” Further, the movement unashamedly proclaimed that they “represented the conscience of the Malays and Bumiputeras, who, all over the nation were urging that Suqiu withdraw and apologize openly and not take them for granted by playing with the fire of racialism.” Two demonstrations were held, one on 17 August in Putra Jaya was witnessed by a misty-eyed Prime Minister; though we have yet to ascertain the real reason for the tears. Another demonstration was held on 18 August at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. We are in the dark as to whether police permits were obtained for the two occasions. PAS views these latest events seriously. PAS’ commitment to national unity and harmony has been manifested by its actions. This pledge has been renewed at its recent General Assembly (Muktamar) which had as its theme, “PAS Leads the Way to Unity (PAS Memimpin Perpaduan)”. PAS’ struggle, based on Islam, unequivocally upholds the notion of tolerance (al-muruunah) and justice (al-‘aadalah), as it exists in a plural nation, replete with the sensitivities of differing races, religions and cultures. I would like to reiterate what has been stressed earlier by the Spiritual leader (Mursyidul Am) of PAS, and the Deputy President of the party through their media broadcasts that the question of special Malay rights has already been provided for by the nation’s Constitution. In fact it is hard to imagine anyone challenging this provision as claimed by UMNO Youth. This has been clarified by Saudara David Chua and Saudara Ser Choon Ing, secretary of Suqiu. The Affirmative Action policy that is referred to in Appeal 2.2 aims to provide protection and upliftment for the least advantaged members of society regardless of religion, race and social backgrounds. As a policy it would be untenable for anyone to reject the principle behind it as poverty cuts across all races. The principle of justice demands that only the weak be defended and protected, no matter what race or social background he/she comes from. PAS feels that what is contained in the Appeal is pertinent and appropriate in achieving this goal. Suqiu has urged all political parties to cease manipulating the issue lest national unity be jeopardised. In its repeated appeal, Suqiu’s press statement has been aptly titled, “Special Malay Rights are not being Questioned”. PAS is unable to fathom why UMNO and its Youth Wing are adamant about politicising the issue despite the clarity and sincerity of Suqiu’s and David Chua’s explanations. PAS feels that it is unbecoming of UMNO to continue with its polemical antics. This will only confirm the people’s jest that UMNO is merely full of hot air and its bark louder than its bite (cakap tak serupa bikin). UMNO trumpets the call for the people to unite but it is the real culprit, responsible for tearing off the nation’s unity. Unity cannot be forced upon people, neither can it be controlled by the instruments of law. Unity is nourished and fostered through understanding and trust. Unity will not be achieved by extortion, intimidation and violent reprimands thrust upon other people about "our rights" when we are not ready to fulfil promises and obligations entrusted upon us. If UMNO Youth’s demonstration of "Malay conduct" and "self-integrity" is anything to go by, Malays would dread being represented by them. Further, as shown by the results of the last election, UMNO needs to be reminded time and again that it is not qualified to represent the majority of Malays in the country anymore. There is no need for UMNO to champion the agenda of Malay unity, what more with its attitude of arrogance and brutishness. Herein lies the divide between PAS and the BA, on the one hand, and UMNO and the BN, on the other. PAS and the BA have no desire to be dragged into the tasteless polemics and agenda of “Unity in Racism” touted by UMNO and the BN. Having said that we remind the people that “the BA is grounded on principled politics transcending race and communalism, while the BN is a manifestation of the politics of racial and communal interests”. [Home] [Aliran Monthly] [Statements] [Human Rights] |
National
politics continues to be turbulent. Small wonder that people are deluged with
confusion and disturbance; at the same time outraged and fed-up. Confused and
disturbed because what had been alleged by some leaders of UMNO and its
controlled media about the disunity of Malays and their loss of supremacy does
not cut any ice within the context of present reality. They are outraged and
fed-up because everything exposed on government abuse, corruption and dissension
has not been brought to judgement, while punishments imposed on political
enemies have been heavy-handed and downright vicious. The people continue to be
afflicted by uncertainty hence giving rise to an immense crisis of confidence
against all forms of government institutions. Clearly the UMNO/BN government has
lost all its authority and legitimacy to lead the nation.