Work to unite not divide

Racism must be resisted by all

It is distressing to read of the recent dispute between former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and MIC president, Datuk Seri S. Samy Velu.It is very unfortunate that each is accusing the other of being a racist and dictator.It is regrettable that such senior leaders who commanded so much respect and admiration of the people are resorting to such disrespectful actions to discredit each other.

Racism in whatever form is unhealthy,it is a national enemy to a multi-racial and multi religious country like ours.As a result of our political system that is based on race we have all become 'racists' to a certain extent.We have all been be brought up in a system that has been subtly breeding 'racism' by encouraging one to champion the cause of his own community only.It has become a norm for Malaysians to be more concerned for those of their own race and have little or no sympathy for the plight of those from other races. It is sad that we are brought up to blindly support those of our own race even if they are wrong.

Everywhere we go; schools,universities, government and private offices, places of sports and recreation, eateries and even places of worship we are constantly being reminded of our ethnicity.Wherever we go there is emphasis on the few differences that divide us rather than on the many commonness that unite us as Malaysians.

After 50 years of living and working together side by side the people have voted to do away with racial politics but unfortunately the politicians are far from showing signs of heeding their calls for multiracialism.Our own system of the governance continues to be racially constituted, where each community is being represented by its own leaders of same ethnicity. That is the way our political system functioned and is continuing to do so even today.

It is time our lawmakers realize the wisdom of discarding this politics along racial lines and adopt a more multiracial approach to administer the country. It is time to replace the race-based political parties with multiracial ones where every member is identified as a Malaysian instead as a Malay, Indian or Chinese.

Everyone regardless of race or creed has his rights that are clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution and these rights must be respected by all and not questioned for whatever reason.These provisions of the Constituion must be emphasised over and over again especially in schools,universities and civil service so that the future generations will be more willing to accept one another as Malaysians.

All respectable past leaders, who have been at the helm, could continue to serve the nation better if they devote their time and energy to forge closer ties between the various races in the country instead of trying to out do each other in perpetrating race politics that will only be detrimental to the nation. They should use their influence and power to unite rather than divide the people.

Dr.Chris Anthony