In the second part of the interview, Global Human Rights Federation president S Shashi Kumar speaks about institutionalised racism and how the inaction by the authorities are emboldening hate preachers nationwide.
FocusM: In your view, what is causing all this mess in Malaysia?
SK: It is because Malaysia is practising institutionalised racism and unfortunately, many are reluctant to take on these issues, which will make things even worse.
The problem with our non-Muslim leaders which include ministers, deputy ministers and senators is that they are also afraid to voice out for not wanting to incur the wrath of the powers that be.
And it does not help when UMNO and PAS abuse every little issue at hand to instigate the Malays. Remember what happened when the Pakatan Government wanted to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD)?
Bear in mind that at the time, P Waytha Moorthy, in his capacity as then-National Unity Minister, clearly mentioned that the Government would engage all stakeholders before deciding on it. In fact, he even stressed that it would not affect the special privileges enjoyed by the Bumiputera community.
But all the assurances did not stop PAS and UMNO from instigating the Malay community against Pakatan. So, that is why non-Malay leaders fear to address anything on the problems caused by institutionalised racism, which is imbecilic and wrong if you ask me.
FocusM: In your view, what is causing hate preachers to rear their ugly heads in the open these days?
SK: The clear-cut answer is the inaction by the authorities. The system, in reality, is failing the non-Muslims.
When no action is taken against hate preachers like Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu and Firdaus Wong, it only emboldens them to act with impunity as they think of themselves as untouchables. Look at preacher Syakir Nasoha for example. Hundreds of police reports were lodged against him but was there action taken against him?
Bear in mind that when a non-Muslims insults Islam, they are hauled up within 24 hours. This is why the public are losing faith in political leaders and the authorities.
Even during my Hindraf days, a lot of nonsense were levelled against non-Muslims. Trust me, the country will never become a developed nation as long as we play the race and religion card. Look at our neighbour Singapore. While we are still a third world country, the island state became a developed nation decades ago!
Hate preachers are becoming too powerful in Malaysia. They are actually running “a Government within the Government” and can even challenge our laws. Look at single mother Indira Gandhi and her plight.
And with all these happening, what is our Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) doing? They receive RM10 mil annually from the Government to do what again? This is where Global Human Rights Federation comes in to tell the Government that the minorities in the country should be heard.
FocusM: Is fugitive Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s presence in the country have anything to do with this?
SK: His presence has actually emboldened local hate preachers! Before this, Malaysia did have hate preachers but they rarely spoke anything out in the open.
However, things have changed since Zakir stepped foot on our land. Why do you think no countries in the world want him?
Speaking of Zakir, in April 2017, he gave a speech in Jakarta, Indonesia. At the same time, the election for new Jakarta governor was taking place.
One of the candidates contesting was called Ahok (Basuki Tjahaja Purnama) who is a Christian of Chinese ancestry. Zakir said in his speech that it was wrong for Muslims to support Ahok because he was not a Muslim.
One of the attendees stood up and countered Zakir by saying Ahok was good man and he even built a mosque. However, Zakir argued that Ahok was hypocrite, asking why should Ahok build a mosque if he was not going to pray there. This is how he goes around corrupting people’s minds.
Remember that Zakir even said that it was better to choose a corrupt Muslim leader as opposed to an honest non-Muslim leader. Perhaps that is why our country is rampant with corruption!
People like Zakir and his merry men are poisoning the minds of our populace. On that note, I must remind our political leaders that these hate preachers are not only talking about religion but they are also meddling in politics too.
Just go around and listen to their sermons. They seem to play a major role in their respective communities and can even tell their followers whom to vote for and otherwise.
FocusM: What did you feel when former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisted on keeping Zakir here in Malaysia against all objections?
SK: Well, Mahathir himself had said that no country is willing to accept Zakir in their homelands. That itself shows how problematic the individual is!
In fact, when Zakir threw inflammatory messages against non-Malays in 2019, I lodged a police report on it. Mahathir later said that he will deport the preacher if he does not behave but when I challenged the nonagenarian with facts, he went silent.
I must stress that religion is a personal thing and no one has the right to impose their belief system on others. – April 10, 2022.
