'Only bankrupt politicians use race and religion to gain support' - Musa Hitam

That was the idea described by former Deputy Prime Minister, Tun Musa Hitam, as reported by English daily, The Star.

“The essence of this all is that Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-religious country, only if you are liberal and moderate will be able to establish genuine linkages between one another,” he said.

According to Musa, UMNO has actually adopted the stance of moderation from the early days of Malaysia gained its Independence but now, extreme views based on sentiments related to race and religion have been hijacked by politicians.

“Only bankrupt politicians use race and religion in promoting their cause and in trying to get political support. It is sad to note that during this time in Malaysian history, hijacking process seems to be take place. What’s worrying is that it is intensifying.

“Sometimes, I hear several very high-powered, responsible politicians citing moderation and liberalism are dangerous. I suspect they do not know what they are talking about,” he said.

In the interview, Musa also commented that too many politicians appear to become religious leaders while too many religious leaders want to be politicians.

This issue said Musa occurred due the popularity contest based on their perceptions and understanding which camp they are in.

“The May 13th incident was the result of it all. We were supposed to have learnt and corrected ourselves after that. Yet now, after so many years we seem to be transporting ourselves back to the old days,” Musa said.

Musa however, believes that in a decade, Malaysia has shifted from a very “tightly-held democratic system” to a much looser alliance of democratic practices.

Since the concept was introduced, the idea of broader tolerance, freedom and acceptability has helped democracy became more widely accepted and appealing to the public.

This freedom of openness, Musa opined has caused people to express their real inner feelings, their prejudices, and pent-up anger to be eventually expressed.

This, he said demonstrates the proliferation of a mélange of views, including the extreme ones touching on race and religion. That is the fact of Malaysian life that we have to accept.

“Freedom without limits makes you an extremist. Freedom with limits makes you a moderate. But in order to limit it does not mean abolish or ban them – then you become an extremist.

“So it boils down to leadership,” said Musa who admitted that extremists do exist, but once boundaries are crossed, firm action should be taken against these groups within the context of law, justice and equality.

The 80-year-old influential political figure, who resigned from the government’s second highest position in 1986, was happy with the statement made by the 25 prominent Malay personalities.

“Never mind those who make personal attacks. These are cheap, senseless, illogical, irrational people whom you can just dismiss. It is easier said than done but like the group of 25 Malays, people are already showing signs of leadership without the influence of political elements.