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Using socks and religion to create havoc: Is Madani govt so helpless against a single individual?
Published on: Sunday, April 07, 2024
By: Datuk Dr Johan Arriffin
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This entrenched cycle has left the nation adrift, seemingly governed by the whims of the mob. The recent uproar over a handful of offensive socks epitomises the volatile nature of Malaysian society, where minor incidents can spiral into widespread unrest, drawing international ridicule.
Like many of us, we have afforded Anwar Ibrahim a fair opportunity to govern the country, recognizing his merits and rightful claim to leadership. However, it appears that this recent ugly incident has served as the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
The scorch earth policy by certain individuals and political parties has heightened the racial tension. The boycott of the offending KKMart outlets, including McDonalds and Starbucks has hurt the Malay employees depriving them of their livelihood. Nobody cares for these victims; we are just too focused on the big “towkays”.
Are all Malays like Akmal? Of course not. The vast majority abhor violence. Why? Because we understand that resorting to violence would not only undermine the harmony we have painstakingly built in our country and threaten our economy upon which we all depend to provide for our families. It’s incredible to think that a mere five pairs of offending socks could incite such destructive behaviour.
While recession, mismanagement of the economy, wrong monetary of fiscal policies can bring down a nation, only in Malaysia can an individual allegedly affect the economy using socks and religion as a tool.
We are fortunate to have voices of reason, such as Penang Mufti Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, who have stepped forward in this sensitive row. His caution against boycott of non-Muslim businesses is a beacon of wisdom, reminding us that such actions constitute an overreaction and run contrary to Islamic teachings.
He rightly emphasizes the potential of these actions to breed religious misunderstandings, exacerbate injustices, and ultimately endanger our national unity.
Former Umno Wanita leader Rafidah Aziz, often referred to as the “Iron Lady,” has trained her guns on Umno’s ‘rabble rouser’, Akmal.
Drawing upon the example of Prophet Muhammad, she highlighted the exemplary restraint he demonstrated when faced with hostility and called upon the Umno Youth chief to emulate the Prophet’s behaviour in their dealings with others. According to Rafidah, failure to do so would signify a departure from the expectations Islam places upon them.
Despite the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Ibrahim Iskandar’s decision to defer to the legal system to address the situation and the KKMart owner’s audience with the King to ask for forgiveness, and the urging from Religious Affairs Minister Na’im Mokhtar for Muslims to maintain composure and allow authorities to conduct their investigations, Akmal remains undeterred.
Akmal persists in advocating for the boycott of all outlets deemed offensive, asserting his purported endorsement from the Umno supreme council.
Akmal’s calls for boycotts and his posting with a picture of him wielding a sword, evokes memories of Hishamuddin’s infamous keris-wielding display at the Umno Youth Assembly of the past. The sabre rattling is provocative and senseless in these day and age.
In Peninsular Malaysia, issues surrounding race and religion often take centre stage. However, the Borneo states are closely monitoring these developments, recognizing that any downturn in the economy could disproportionately impact them, given their historical underdevelopment.
It’s important to acknowledge that Akmal’s actions do not speak for all Malaysians or Muslims in the country. Moreover, he does not speak for the Borneo states.
His party’s fortunes have taken a downturn since the GE14, suggesting a desperate attempt by party stalwarts to regain relevance. This desperation may drive individuals to resort to various tactics, regardless of their consequences.
The mood of the nation has indeed shifted, particularly among the TikTok generation. These youths are disinterested in the kind of politics exemplified by figures like Akmal. Instead, they prioritize enjoying life, promoting happiness, environmental stewardship, advocating for human rights, and fostering equality.
From left to right: Anwar, Aaron, Rafidah and Akmal
Today’s youth are not passive followers; rather, they wield their smartphones as tools for empowerment and activism. They reject the notion of an unwritten ‘social contract’ that may favour certain groups, insisting instead that social justice must be equitable and inclusive for all.
One of the most disheartening aspects is that despite the considerable support of the people, the Madani government has been unable to contain the disruptive actions of a single individual bent on undermining the country’s economy and international reputation.
This lack of accountability is glaring, especially when contrasted with the consequences faced by figures like Najib, who was held accountable for damaging the country and subsequently faced jail time.
The apparent impunity surrounding Akmal raises troubling questions. Is political expediency the driving force behind the government’s reluctance to confront him?
Are Malaysians expected to endure such behaviour to uphold the Madani government’s grip on power?
Many citizens find themselves questioning what the Madani government truly stands for. While the concept of reforms has been discussed, the specifics remain elusive. What reforms are being pursued, and in what areas are they intended to effect change?
These are critical questions that demand transparent answers from those in power. Akmal unchecked behaviour has undermined any goodwill left in the Madani government.
We must accept that all the successive four Prime Ministers since GE14 came from the same DNA - Umno. Does that tell us anything? Can a leopard change its spot?
In Sabah, questions have arisen regarding whether Umno Supreme Council members from Sabah support Akmal’s behaviour. Given that Sabah state elections are due within the next one or two years, it’s a pertinent inquiry. According to Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Sabah boasts the highest membership numbers, with 604,328 individuals.
With such a significant presence, it would be reasonable to expect Sabah Umno members to have the influence to deter individuals like Akmal from undermining peace and harmony across Malaysia.
Bung Moktar’s statement that Umno leaders in KL were asked to cool the situation underscores a critical moment for Umno Sabah. The party’s leadership must recognize the gravity of the situation regarding the KK Mart issue. Merely halting Akmal’s actions now may not suffice, as the damage has already been inflicted across the nation.
Umno Sabah cannot afford to remain aloof amidst the current political landscape. It must assert proactive leadership to break the cycle of violence perpetuated by radical elements within the party.
The party’s identity and actions in Sabah are closely scrutinized, and any association with extremism could alienate voters and undermine Umno’s credibility.
Umno Sabah should never replicate the strategies of its peninsular counterparts blindly. Instead, it must navigate its unique challenges with prudence and foresight. The electorate demands responsible governance, free from radicalism and divisive rhetoric. By aligning with Ketuanan Melayu rhetoric, Umno Sabah risks further alienating voters and losing relevance in contemporary politics.
To reclaim its position at the forefront of Malaysian politics, Umno Sabah must transcend outdated ideologies and embrace inclusive and progressive policies. It must champion the aspirations of all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity or background.
Only through such a transformative approach can Umno regain the trust and support of the electorate and reaffirm its relevance in shaping the nation’s future.
The bigger question is not how to deal with Umno, but how our Borneo states leaders handle the unfolding situation. This is a case where one bad apple spoils the barrel.
How long are Sabah and Sarawak going to put up with these kind of racial baiting that will affect the racial harmony of the nation and damage tourism and investors’ confidence.
We can’t expect a product differentiation like “Malaysia Borneo Sabah” will make a difference. Malaysia is Malaysia and foreign investors, or tourist can’t differentiate the weed form the chaff.
Ironically, the Minister of Unity is a Sarawakian. Past Ministers were from Sabah. Have they been able to do anything at Federal level? Are they just there to warm up seats, like many of our Federal Ministers?
Politically, it’s crucial for Sabah and Sarawak leaders to demonstrate strong leadership by condemning divisive rhetoric and taking decisive action against those who threaten racial harmony.
Now is the time to push harder for greater regional autonomy within the Malaysian federal system to empower local leaders to address specific challenges more effectively.
This could involve decentralization of governance, fiscal autonomy, and greater control over natural resources, allowing Sabah and Sarawak to address their unique needs while remaining part of Malaysia. Mindanao and Aceh are good examples of autonomous regions.
While separation or secession may be tempting for some, it’s not the most practical or desirable solution.
Instead, by working towards strengthening the Malaysian federation while safeguarding the interests and rights of Sabah and Sarawak, local leaders can contribute to building a more united, prosperous, and harmonious Malaysia. Enough is enough.
Lessons learnt for our Borneo state leaders, just one person like Akmal can change Malaysia for better or worse. We need that one single leader.
- The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.
- If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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