AS we prepare to celebrate the 69th Hari Merdeka, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) calls upon every Malaysian to reflect honestly on whether we are truly living the values that Merdeka represents. The freedom we achieved was never intended to become a licence to divide us. Yet in recent times, particularly during the recently concluded Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, we have witnessed an alarming escalation in political rhetoric appealing to voters along racial and religious lines. Such narratives seek to persuade us that fellow citizens should be feared rather than embraced as partners in building our nation. This is a dangerous path. Equally disturbing is the increasing normalisation of bigotry and hate speech. Malaysians continue to be confronted with inflammatory narratives suggesting that non-Malays or non-Muslims seek to undermine Islam. Such sweeping accusations are irresponsible, deeply offensive and contrary to the spirit of nation-building. They foster fear, suspicion and hostility between communities that have lived alongside one another for generations. The overwhelming majority of Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, simply wish to live in peace, raise their families, practise their respective faiths and contribute positively to the nation's progress. Political...