AS Malaysians celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we are reminded of what binds us—forgiveness, compassion, and the shared values that hold our diverse nation together.
Just a day before Hari Raya, the Telugu community welcomed the Ugadi New Year. During this period, many Chinese families also observe Qing Ming by honouring their ancestors. And soon, Christians will mark Good Friday and Easter.
These observances are not just reminders of our diversity. They reflect the deep cultural and spiritual roots that shape our shared Malaysian identity.
But yet, as a nation, we seem to be drifting further apart.
In recent weeks, the proposed relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur has stirred strong emotions and public debate. For some, this is a matter of heritage, identity and a deep sense of belonging that spans generations.
At the same time, the situation also involves legal and administrative considerations—matters of land ownership, planning, and legacy issues.
But beyond the specifics, a larger question emerges: how do we handle disagreement in a diverse society?
Do we pause to listen? Do we put ourselves in the other party’s shoes? Or are we too quick to take sides, to simplify complex issues, or to respond with anger rather than understanding and empathy? Have we lost our humanity?
This question of empathy was again brought to mind by another recent incident involving an unlicensed balloon trader along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in KL who was involved in a scuffle with enforcement officials.
The circumstances may have been different, but the questions remain the same: Was there room for dialogue? Could compassion have guided the response, even as rules were upheld?
And more recently, when a controversial political figure disclosed that his lung cancer had spread, the reactions from some social media users were disturbing. Some mocked his illness. Others expressed cruel wishes not fit for publication.
Disagreeing with someone’s politics is one thing but celebrating their suffering is something else entirely. It signals a deeper erosion of our moral compass.
These incidents, while different in nature, point to the same troubling trend—a growing loss of empathy in how we deal with each other.
Being right—legally, historically or factually—is not the same as being kind. We can uphold rules while still respecting people. We can enforce the law without stripping away dignity. And we can criticise without dehumanising.
All our faiths teach this. Islam places great emphasis on mercy and ihsan—doing what is good and beautiful. Christianity teaches grace. In Hindu and Buddhist teachings, dharma represents the path of righteousness—a call to act justly, with compassion and purpose.
Across traditions, we find the Golden Rule: do not do to others what you would not want done to you. If we forget this, we risk becoming a society that is technically correct but morally lost. We do not want a society stripped of compassion, empathy and humanity.
This is not a call to ignore wrongdoing. It is not about choosing sentiment over substance. But we must recognise that in a diverse, multiracial nation like Malaysia we also need compassion and empathy. We need moral clarity.
As we enter this season of bermaaf-maafan, let us not limit our reflection to just family and friends. Let us also reflect on how we treat others, especially those who are different from us, or those we may not agree with.
The true strength of a nation lies not in how loudly it argues, but in how gently it listens.
Let this Raya be not just a celebration, but a reminder that as Malaysians, our shared future depends on remembering the humanity in one another. – April 2, 2025
Ng Kor Sim is the State Assemblywoman for Jementah, Johor.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main image: China Daily
