MULTI-CULTURALISM is defined as a social and political philosophy that promotes the co-existence of diverse cultures within a single society.
Rather than forcing minority groups to assimilate into a dominant culture, it values, respects, and actively supports the preservation of distinct cultural, ethnic and linguistic identities.
That philosophy is pretty much central to DAP with its lawmakers expected to fly the flag of multi-culturalism.
This much is evident with first-term Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid who took the time to visit and showcase the exhibits at Penang’s Indian Heritage Gallery & Cultural Centre (IHCC) in the Beach Street UNESCO World Heritage Zone.
The former Seri Delima state assemblywoman had her curiosity piqued by a temple-like structure within the building but on closer inspection, it was part of the exhibits (and not an actual temple or altar) showcasing Indian history, culture and heritage on the island.
The Convent Green Lane alumni observed that sometimes people get the wrong impression when only viewing from the outside.
“However, if we took the time to ask, listen and learn, we will learn stories that bind us all as Malaysians,” declared the 45-year-old Syerleena on her Facebook Reels and TikTok accounts.
The clip promoting Penang’s rich melting pot heritage has generated 1.8K likes, 1K comments and 108 shares on her Facebook Reel at the time of publication. But not everyone was enamoured by her visit although Syerleena did request viewers to “tengok habis” (watch till the end) her clip
DAP bashing act
Typically, the rightist faction is foaming at the mouth by perceiving this as a visit to a Hindu house of worship by one of three DAP’s Malay-Muslim lawmaker when it is clearly not the case as explained by the Bukit Bendera MP that first impressions can be deceiving.
Editor’s Note: Syerleena’s Muslim comrade and Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, too, has been ticked off by Selangor PAS Youth’s Scholars and Research Bureau chairman Ustaz Dr Abu Musleh (pen name used by Dr Mohd Hapiz Mahaiadin) for gracing the closing ceremony of the “Thirumurai Recital Competition” in Kajang.
The National DAP vice-chairman noted that his presence at the event held at the Sri Subramaniya Swami Temple Kajang was at the invitation of the Kajang Council of Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) and that he made it a point to attend this literature-slant annual event which the PAS man claimed to pose religious conflict.
Back to Syerleena, the sentiment was far from one of understanding, tolerance or respect as snide remarks were aplenty.
One hit out that Syerleena was supposed “to enter mosque to seek blessings. “What benefit from entering temples?” and “What’s so special?” were among the choice comments – again ignoring the fact that it was NOT a temple that the DAP politician was only visiting.
One commenter also took the opportunity to cast aspersions of a personal nature towards the 45-year-old by insinuating that she was shallow in her knowledge of her own faith while seem only interested in learning about the religion of others.
Needless to say, some saw fit to see her visit to the Indian Heritage Cultural Centre as proof that she had strayed from the true path.
Insults were also rife. The label “liberal” was waved about to warn of possible wayward ideas that could poison the Malay-Muslim mind. Another simply put this as a vote-buying stunt.
It being Syerleena’s social media page, there were obviously supporters who agreed that diversity was a wondrous thing and should be celebrated. One commenter applauded the MP for taking an educated approach.
However, such comments were very much in the minority as Syerleena’s page was flooded with anti-DAP diatribe.
What is interesting to note is that many were mistaken in the belief that she had visited a temple despite clearly stating that it was the Indian Heritage Cultural Centre.
Or possibly that little detail did not matter so long as the haters got to say nasty things about DAP and play to the gallery that Muslim MPs from Pakatan Harapan (PH) were guilty of glorifying other religions.
It’s entirely up to the voter to choose – a Malaysia where multi-culturalism is allowed to thrive and celebrated or one where “diversity” is viewed as a dirty word. – July 23, 2026
