Religious respect is a two-way street

The DNA of our country, it being multi-cultural and multi-racial, respect is the essence of harmony.

Religious respect like any other kinds of respect, remains to be a two-way street.

One must not forget that we have come a long way to sustain our colourful background. That through thick and thin, we have managed to value our differences and co-exist as a harmonious society for many years.

And if we have done it before, if our fellow Malaysians from the older generations can celebrate the joy of living in multi-culturalism, then why can’t we?

When one minister suggested the idea of having designated trolleys for Muslims and non-Muslims, I thought to myself, will there be an end to this racial and religious segregation in our country?

Malays, especially in today's contemporary setting, whether realising this or not, demand respect from other races by using the halal and haram agenda as their armour, shielding their bigotry with pride.

While there are already useful steps taken in shopping malls to segregate the halal and non-halal items like designated areas for pork-based and alcohol purchase, these efforts seemed deficient to satisfy the ‘paranoia’ of some Malays.

Thankfully, the other races are abiding and respectful. And I wish I can say the same about the Malays.

For example, to date, I have never met a Malay person who refrains from eating beef in the presence of a Hindu person. Zero comparing to the countless of times that many Chinese or Indians refrain themselves from eating pork or even serving pork in the presence of a Muslim. Even in the comfort of their own homes.

From my observation, the Malays fail to reflect that halal and haram go beyond the things you consume.

And if it is a sin to use the same trolley, then why are there Malays flocking to hotels for break of fast during Ramadan? Or even take a plane to travel, where both serve alcoholic beverages?

I might not be an expert in my own faith, but I know for a fact that my faith does not promote hatred and segregation between beings. Islam promotes peace and love, just like most religion that I know.

And, what’s with the hypocrisy? Nobody makes a big deal when ‘keyboard losers’ who are majorly Malays cuss away on almost each and everything that come in on their screen. Isn’t profanity and vulgarity haram?

What about bribery and corruption? What about taking what’s not yours like the bauxite mining? Why isn’t there any ministers amplifying all these apparent ‘haram’ situations?

In the times of modern hardship like today, mutual respect is the best remedy for our plight and we need more of it.

Respect is a two-way street and it has to be earned. And with this seven-alphabet-word (respect), comes honour.