IT DOESN’T need a political scientist to deduce that the political climate in Malaysia is currently quite heated with certain parties hell-bent on poking the hornet’s nest with 3R (royalty, race and religion) issues.
With keris-wielding youth leaders to opposition parliamentarians lacking ideas of substance, the 3R pot is an easy one to stir to get the rakyat all hot and bothered.
Thus, it is quite a refreshing to see a politician try to preach a different message – one of tolerance and multi-racial harmony.
Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin who has been consistently preaching this message recently made a visit to the Kg Seri Aman Mosque to listen to a talk by Ustaz Syamsul Debat entitled Wanita Dijulang, Negara Gemilang (literally, “Womanhood Celebrated; Nation is Glorious”).
Menghadiri ceramah yang disampaikan oleh Ustaz @syamsuldebat yang bertema “Wanita Dijulang, Negara Gemilang” bersama penduduk setempat #puchong . pic.twitter.com/bLwqcHBM8W
— Yeo Bee Yin (@yeobeeyin) October 22, 2024
The conservatively-attired DAP member was seen posing for selfies with attendees in a short clip posted on her social media page. The comments attached from her Facebook Reels seem to reflect the sentiment that many citizens do yearn for a harmonious Malaysia.
The message of peace and harmony in melting pot Malaysia was repeated by a few netizens.
However, one commenter probably issued a teaser to the opposition by wondering what the response from PAS supporters would be like.
While it cannot be ascertained that this commenter was indeed a supporter of the Islamist party, the cynicism and inference was clear.
While many will also say that politicians are only motivated by votes, it must be underlined that such public displays of inter-community harmony are to be applauded.
It also helps reinforce the message that the DAP is trying to move beyond its “Chinese party” image and present itself as a party for all Malaysians.
Whether one is a ‘Rocket’ supporter or not, such an approach is certainly preferable to those who claim to represent only one race or religion whilst continuously making thinly-veiled threats of violence. – Oct 24, 2024
