Slapping Incident : Certain Malay Thought That They Control Malaysia – Feeling Entitled To Take Laws Into Their Own Hands

SHORT of calling the perpetrators “walking time bombs”, human rights activist and lawyer Siti Kasim is least surprised at the rate of certain Malay Muslims are rekindling the Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) mentality while feeling entitled to take laws into their own hands.

Very much akin to the proverbial “the fish rots from the head down”, she blamed the double standards or two-tier policing of the Madani government as giving leeway or emboldening Muslim fanatics to enforce laws according to their whims and fancies.

While most Malays belong to the “chilled” type, Siti Kasim attributed the deteriorating situation that Malaysia is witnessing today to the relevant authorities turning a blind eye to “extremist ustaz and Muslim preachers who undermine other religions, the latest being Zamri Vinoth”.

“The situation is getting from bad to worse with each passing year with certain Malay Muslims harbouring the thoughts that they control Malaysia or Malaysia belongs solely to them, hence other races must kowtow to them,” she observed in her latest YouTube rant.

Such mentality eventually makes certain quarters of the Malay Muslim community bolder, according to Siti Kasim, alluding to the recent slapping incident of the Sarawakian Chinese undergraduate at the Family Mart convenience store in Johor Bahru which has sparked outrage across the entire nation.

“This explains why there is no feeling of guilt nor remorse with regard to the action of the senior citizen who slapped the boy … Or in the case of a kopiah and robe-clad Pak Arab-like figure who have no qualms throwing punches till fracturing the nose of an underaged driver at will.,” she justified.

“These people may be taking the cue from our government letting off the perpetrates who undermine the religion of others with its no further action (NFA) policy but once you harped on Islam which diverts from the mainstream, swift action will come your way.”

Likewise, Siti Kasim said the notion of moral policing is cultivated in the mind of Malay Muslims with the perception that every non-fasting Muslims should be punished when there is no mention “whatsoever in the Quran nor Hadith that people who don’t fast during Ramadan should be subject to physical punishment”.

“I can’t fathom why is the government so keen to waste taxpayers’ money to nab those who are not fasting,” lamented the Orang Asli advocate.

“I fully disagree with such measure as those detained were not even eating in public but at discreet places … secondly, if they have sinned, this is a private matter between them and God.

“Instead of doing good, the action of religious authorities who portray themselves as God is only painting an ugly impression of Islam in the eyes of non-Muslims.”

At the end of the day, Siti Kasim wondered what sort of Islam is being taught in Malaysia till certain Malay Muslims feel obliged to take laws into their own hands.

We need to delve deeper as to why those who believe in upholding the ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ concept are increasing in numbers.

We’ve to ask if the government of the day condones such mentality to fester … if not what it is doing to curb such detrimental mentality so that Malay Muslims can start thinking rationally or becoming more Islamic as expounded by the Quran instead of just listening to the ‘Pak Lebai’.

Is the government going to help our nation to be more rational in our thinking especially among Malay Muslims?

I want to see what the government will do or will it only sit back by leaving things as they’re now while continue to brainwash both the young and old Malays through ceramah in surau, mainstream media, social media, etc.

If you’re sincere in wanting to change the mindset of the society, you’ve to start by informing them the truth … But if status quo prevails, then I’m afraid that our nation is doomed.”

Source : Focus

IN a lively corner of Johor Bahru (JB), an incident that recently unfolded has stirred quite a bit of chatter across the land about the delicate balance of religious tolerance and our societal norms.

It all began when a non-Muslim gentleman named Elijah was confronted—some might say accosted—by an elderly man for eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan. The situation escalated when, as reports suggest, this man gave Elijah a rather unwelcomed slap.

Naturally, this sparked a wave of reactions. National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang stepped in to voice his disapproval, emphasising that such behaviour doesn’t quite fit our cherished spirit of unity and harmony, which we all hold dear.

A video, lasting a brisk 80 seconds, made its way onto the internet, showing the elderly man questioning Elijah’s background and rather insistently asking to see his identity card before delivering that infamous slap.

Since then, Elijah has taken the brave step of filing a police report, and authorities are now looking into the matter, under Section 323 of the Penal Code—essentially for delivering an unsolicited dose of hurt.

You see, this whole scenario poses a rather amusing yet serious question about our propensity for self-righteousness, often marked by a “holier-than-thou” attitude.

It seems some individuals believe they have the right to impose their beliefs upon others, which, as you might expect, can lead to intolerable situations.

Such behaviour threatens the vibrant multicultural tapestry of Malaysia, which is woven together by threads of mutual respect and understanding.

It’s vital, I’d say, to draw a clear line between one’s personal religious observance and the expectation that others, particularly those of differing faiths, follow suit.

Forcing others to adhere to one’s beliefs not only infringes on their personal freedoms but also nudges societal harmony into rather choppy waters.

In our beloved Malaysia, the enforcement of fasting during Ramadan typically applies exclusively to Muslims.

A case in point—over in Melaka, a group of eight Muslim men found themselves on the wrong side of the law for eating in public during Ramadan. Yet, these regulations don’t extend to non-Muslims, who, let’s remember, are not bound by Islamic fasting rules.

So, what’s the takeaway from this little episode? Promoting a culture of understanding and mutual respect is paramount. Acknowledging and honouring individual choices is the cornerstone of keeping the peace and unity alive in our wonderfully diverse society.

In wrapping this up, the incident in Johor Bahru brings to light a concerning “holier-than-thou” mentality that undermines the beautiful multicultural harmony we cherish in Malaysia.

It’s essential for every one of us to cherish and uphold the principles of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring we all share in a cohesive and peaceful society.

Source : Focus