The holy and glorious month of Ramadan is about to end, but sadly in Malaysia we were inundated with much pain.
As a nation, we need to reflect on the anguish and agonies raised during this holy month of fasting, prayer, goodwill and sacrifices.
It is most unfortunate and deeply worrisome that the multi-racial, multi-religious people of Malaysia could not capitalise on this great annual opportunity.
We could have extolled the spirit of Rukun Negara and embraced the concept of muhibah (goodwill) by joining friends and relatives in the many buka puasa (breaking of fast) fellowship gatherings that show care, compassion, goodwill and relationship-building.
We should have witnessed more Muslims engaging efficaciously with those of other faiths to foster a better understanding of Islam.
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We failed miserably in using this period of fasting to nurture greater understanding and bonding among the ethnic groups in the country.
We should have been together celebrating the beauty of mercy, kindness, tolerance and acceptance during this period of human bonding.
Instead, we have been under siege throughout this Ramadan. The ‘socks’ issue for example, was manipulated to sock the people. We failed this test of rationality versus emotional exploits.
Several politicians are the main culprits. Let’s call a spade a spade. Even the PM failed to put an end to these endless exploits. The naive, unthinking masses just fell for the political exploits, swallowing them hook, line and sinker.
We could have all united in the war on racism and religious bigotry, as well as the political grappling for power.
Muslim religious leaders, together with those of other faiths, could have brought their followers by the droves together at the table for the breaking of fast. This would have been a show of disapproval of the divisiveness and unforgiving mentality that has spread far and wide.
There are a hundred and one ideas that could have used our multi-religious gifts and multi-racial strengths to make Ramadan a memorable experience.
How long can we continue in this direction without tearing away at the soul of our beloved nation? Truly, we have wasted and ignored all the glorious opportunities offered to us this Ramadan.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
