ONE thing for sure is that it is never going to be easy for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to please everyone – especially on the opposition side of the divide – when he is invited as the guest of honour for events that border racial and religious sensitivity.
For context, Anwar had over the weekend attended an afternoon tea party with members of the All-Malaysia Hindu Temples Committee at Kompleks Seri Perdana in Putrajaya – an event that Anwar regarded as “very important to improve the aspect and quality of education so as to benefit all communities regardless of background and differences in the country”.
“I emphasise in this regard that the problem of dilapidated schools nationwide will be resolved immediately so that the future of children and future generations will be more preserved,” he posted on his Facebook page.
“When this problem can be resolved, I believe public confidence in this country will continue to grow and be sustained to form a more advanced and competitive country.”
It is therefore very heartening to see Malay Muslim netizens coming to the fore to praise Anwar. “The unity of Malaysians who have multiple religions and races. I hope al1 Malaysians will continue to live in harmony, respect each other, and cooperate with each other,” replied Cikgu Hasiah Binti Mahamad.
An exemplary Muslim leader to all pluralistic societies … you are the best, PMX,” opined Mohd Asmawi Ab Rahman while Jamadil Qubra likened Anwar to the late PAS spiritual adviser and former Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat who is best remembered for being a pragmatic and moderate Muslim reformist.
“It’s OK for there is no religious elements (in the event). This is excellent as it unites the Malaysian society,” quipped netizen Rawanto Hj Toyok.
Obviously, Anwar cannot satisfy everyone as evident in others who are only keen to take a jibe at him as evident from the following Facebook post which can be literally translated as “PMX is back to attend the science event at Seri Perdana. Tomorrow there will be an afternoon tea ceremony at Seri Perdana with the temple administrator. Great PMX!”
For example, netizen Mohd Sulaiman Mohamed suggested that Anwar “is in the midst of studying a comparative religion course” given he had claimed “during the election campaign that all the children of the nation are his children”.
Netizen Ahmad Yasin went on to interpret Anwar’s action of looking after the interest of All-Malaysia Hindu Temples Committee as “putting all religions as equal” which Hanizah Hashim who originated the post cheekily replied, “No mention of that (by Anwar).”
Whatever the case is, Haniff Nazimuddin added that he “couldn’t recall Tun M (ex-premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) attending any Thaipusam celebration or pose for photographs during such occasions”. – Feb 13, 2023
