Preserve the beauty of our country

MY dear Muslim brothers and sisters, Hindus do not worship the cow. They hold cows in very high esteem. It is a respect they give to an animal that has provided for and supported them enormously in their agricultural history. Let us respect that. Let us practise compassion, understanding and empathy.

It is unfortunate that some of our religious leaders make comments about the beliefs of others without having adequate knowledge of the religion. It is hurtful and does not bring any good to perpaduan negara (national unity). Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin’s poem is a case in point. I have strong convictions Dr Asri is not alone and that the poor understanding about the other is not the monopoly of Muslim leaders only.

Ironically, while Malaysia boasts of a multi-ethnic and multi-religious setting and history, our understanding of the other is still wanting. We cannot and must not allow this to continue. We need deliberate government policies perhaps under the Prime Minister’s Office to right the status quo. We need it as part of the key goals of TN50.

That Dr Asri wrote the poem defending Zakir Naik cuts the wound even deeper. Hindus see Zakir Naik as a preacher who misquote and belittle their religion to support his position of Islam.

Personally, I stopped eating beef in 1985 on my 21st birthday although my favourite food then was McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Cheese.

I was trying to convince my college to stop serving beef to respect the Hindus and pork was not served at the university. Since I did not manage to convince them, I decided to start with myself. Since then, not only do I not eat beef, it is also a policy not to serve it during my functions in the office or at home since these are within my area of control. I have not taken beef for 32 years.

I have Hindu friends who have many Malay friends who avoid pork too. That is the beauty of Malaysia. I have many non-Muslim Chinese and Indian friends who avoid going to non-halal eating places when I am in the picture. That is the beauty of Malaysia.

For Malaysia to succeed, we need to practise compassion, understanding and empathy. I humbly suggest to all my Muslim brothers and sisters to stop serving beef at all functions within our control even if only one Hindu is present.

We must also try to avoid korban lembu during Raya Haji. We can korban other animals.

I do not recommend these across the world but for Malaysia, this is the way forward.

Peace.

For Malaysia to succeed, we need to practise compassion, understanding and empathy.