Harmony begins with equality

IT puzzles me to see the government’s efforts to improve race relations through the enactment of legislation. While the goals of the proposed law are noble, we must not forget that creating a harmonious multi-ethnic, multi-religious society begins with equality.

Recognising that all Malaysians are created equal, that our forefathers had toiled and bled for our nation and therefore enjoying equitable rights in Malaysia is fundamental to achieving the stated goal.

Secondly, value based education as espoused by former Indian president Abdul Kalam who visited Malaysia recently, beginning at homes and continued in schools, reinforcing that all of us are Malaysians with different cultural backgrounds but equitable rights in this country, is essential.

We need a political will to ensure that race-based politics, ethno-discriminative laws and practices are abolished. I have cousins in primary school who are made to differentiate between Muslims and non-Muslims. Even the school timetable is adjusted for Muslims and non-

Muslims and I have difficulty answering their many "why" questions.

I particularly remember a cousin in Year 6, who came jumping with joy upon learning that she and her best friend, a Malay, could go on a school camping trip. Upon arriving at the pick-up point, the organising teacher announced that non-Muslims were not allowed to take part. How can we promote race relations when even children are denied the opportunity to mix at a young age?

I have equal difficulty in answering to my younger cousins why some rich people can buy a house at a discount but not other poor people.

We need to educate our children, not insulate them from learning about other religions, cultural beliefs and practices. Ignorance breeds danger. Until all Malaysians feel they have equal rights, and are taught to respect each other, to learn about each other’s cultural background and religion, enacting legislation to promote race relations is futile.

Grand announcements such as

"Malaysians respect each other" or "We are all equal" will merely be words, until all Malaysians feel that way.

V. Vijayandhran
Petaling Jaya