Daily Lessons from Life 08 January 2010

"M'sian PM condemns arson attacks on churches -Fri, Jan 08, 2010 The Star/Asia News Network

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has condemned the attacks made on three churches in the Klang Valley but has asked the public not to start pointing fingers at who may have been responsible for the attacks.

The responses from all corners of the political realm have been positive in that all urged calmness and let the police do their job to quickly find out who are responsible and to bring them to justice. That the harmony between different races and religions MUST be maintained in a multi-racial multi-religious society like Malaysia."

This is a very delicate situation. Religion is an emotional thing. I have commented on this before and that anything that touches religion cannot be explained with rationality and logic. Hence, it is best to allow religious freedom of expression as long as it does not belittled or trampled on other religions.

Lessons for me are:

1. when the majority are peace loving people, they CANNOT remain silent to let the vocal minority spoiled what they cherished. The majority MUST speak out and MUST take action to prevent the minority from spreading hatred and taking irresponsible actions that destroy the harmony. Upon which stability and prosperity can be built upon;

2. the leaders must be very mindful of what they said and implied when talking to their own people of different religion and races in a multi-racial and multi-religious society. At no point must they allowed any sign of tolerance towards anyone who breach the racial and religious harmony line. They must come down hard on anyone who try to play with this fire!! They must nip the problem in the bud. This they must do even if it meant losing some popularity!! It takes integrity and courage to do this;

3. the police must realize their responsibility in carrying out a smooth and speedy investigation. In Malaysia, the reputation of the police is probably at an all time low with quite a few controversies recently. If they do not provide an accurate and open progress report on this situation, their credibility with the people will continue to do down the drain! It is one situation too many for the people. This is most undesirable and must be prevented at all cost!

May the culprits be brought to justice quickly and that the harmony in Malaysia is maintained so that Singapore, as a neighbour, will also enjoy peace and stability upon which to build our happiness and prosperity.