Mob rule

7 November 2006

Rule of law, not mob rule, should prevail

I refer to the report “Cops to probe baptism SMS” (Star,November 6).

The fiasco caused by the rumours through SMS, claiming that a group of Muslims will be baptised at a church in Ipoh caused a great deal of anxiety and tension. As far as investigations reveal, there is no truth in the rumour that is spread by irresponsible people out to create chaos in our multi-racial and multi-religious nation.

This particular incidence is not an isolated one. Of late this mob mentality appears to be gaining momentum and if not checked will become the norm for achieving the desires of a particular group.

We welcome the strong condemnation by the Prime Minister and his deputy of those responsible for the false SMS. I am sure peace loving Malaysians of all faiths will join them in their call for severe punitive action these people with skewed ideas. It is also reassuring to know that the police have taken this rumour mongering seriously and investigating to determine the source of it. The police must be commended for acting quickly to bring the situation under control without any violence.

We hope they act swiftly and professionally to trace and reprimand those responsible and take preventive measures to stop such dangerous actions of these irresponsible people out to cause trouble. Only a firm and uncompromising police action would act as a deterrent for others who may want to carry out such devious plots.

Action must not only be taken but must also be seen to be taken, without fear or favour, against those responsible. The rule of law must prevail under all circumstances. Mob rule for whatever reason must not be allowed by any community.

Spiritual leaders of respective religions must preach goodwill and tolerance among their followers. They should make them be more aware of the sensitivities of other religions and advocate respect and love for their followers. Religion should be always a means to peace never violence.

Followers of all faiths should discard their egotistic attitude and refrain from actively propagating and converting others to their own religion as this will only create ill-feeling and suspicion. They must instill the concept that all faiths may differ in their approach but are equal and lead their followers to one same God. Moreover faith dwells in one’s heart and cannot be converted to another by persuasion or force unless he is willing to do so.

In a country like Malaysia, with its diverse religions and cultures, inter-faith problems are inevitable from time to time. They are best solved through dialogue in a civil manner and not through mob rule aroused by emotion. Mob rule and threat of violence are never the way to solve our inter-faith problems. Malaysia which is leading the call for inter-faith dialogue at the international level, must also promote such dialogue at national level, among the various religious groups in the country.

In the final outcome, true peace and harmony really depends not just our leaders or the police force alone but rather one the maturity and wisdom of our citizens. As peace loving Malaysians of all faiths, we must show that maturity and wisdom by rising up to say “NO” to religious fanatics and “YES” to moderation, tolerance and inter-faith dialogue. We should not allow the extremist minority in each of our religions to ruin the peace and harmony which we have cherished and nourished all these years.

Dr.Chris Anthony