Message of peace to all Malaysians

THE Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) takes seriously the people’s concerns about racists sentiments flourishing following the recent 15th General Election (GE15).

In this regard, Abim welcomes the determination of the police as well as ordinary Malaysians who aim to combat the racism reportedly spreading through social media.

Abim calls on Muslims to refer to the model devised by leading scientist Al-biruni to interact with different religions and races. This includes the concept of mutual recognition to erase prejudice that reduces space for dialogue. This model reminds us to get to know each other and not to isolate ourselves in our own groups. We should attribute any negativity to individuals, not groups. Negative attitudes and bad behaviour should not be ascribed to an entire race or religion.

Islam and other religions in the world never incite its followers to hate. Hatred towards different groups comes from an attitude of bigotry and being closed towards the diversity and differences that exist. We should reflect on the words of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who previously said: “After 62 years of independence, the voice of unity that unites the people and the voice of modesty that encompasses the people, should not be allowed to be manipulated by any party for shortterm, narrow political goals. The future of the people and the country should not be handed over to groups that promote racial or religious extremism.”

In 2014, Abim set in motion the Preventing and Countering Terrorism Extremism agenda together with the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Anti-terrorism Division (E8) of the Bukit Aman Special Branch and the Foreign Affairs Ministry (through the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for the Prevention of Terrorism).

In connection with that, today Abim also mobilised the hash tags campaign with #Kitakawan, #Sebarkansalam #Tolakkebencian, #Sayangimalaysiaku as a reminder of Malaysia’s longstanding harmony that needs to be defended from racial hatred incited by parties with narrow interests.

Abim calls on all Malaysians regardless of skin colour, religion or political ideology to jointly upload pictures or videos with elements of racial unity to social media with the hashtags mentioned above.

As concerned Malaysians, we all have a responsibility to spread a message of love and stay away from hate.

ZAIRUDIN HASHIM Vice-president Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim)