KUALA LUMPUR (Politics Now!) - It looks like PM Anwar Ibrahim's 'Madani' government has gone to sleep again, whether deliberately or not, leaving the 'Little Napoleons' in charge to poke and fan racial anger.
In Pahang, the famous 'Jalan Wong Ah Jang' road in Kuantan is being renamed as 'Jalan Bunga Kemboja' on the grounds that the change is 'necessary for its growth' - sparking concerns that political motives to flatter the Malay community ahead of an upcoming by-election were the real reason.
The Pelangai state seat is vacant after the death if its assemblyman and a by-election is due to be held on October 7.
Whilst in the Klang Valley, a school was reported to have banned students from wearing the 'saree' at a Merdeka day celebration event. Given that the event was to celebrate the country's independence won from British colonialists by all the different races then including the Indians, the move raised a storm of criticism.
MCA spokesperson Saw Yee Fung accused the school of breaching the spirit of diversity with the saree ban imposed on Indian students and demanded the Education Ministry act against the "Little Napoleons" in schools
"Malaysia stands out as a multicultural country. With our population comprising various races that profess different religions, these are the multicultural values of peaceful co-existence that bind us, and should never divide," said Saw in a statement obtained by Politics Now!.
"No child is born with racist inclinations. School years are the most formative and impressionable years in the life of minors. Through teachings by school authorities and relationships with classmates, students will learn and appreciate Malaysia’s multiple cultures that make up Malaysia."RELATED STORY: Pahang BN picks Amizar for Pelangai state seat
Indeed, the practice of wearing traditional clothing especially during major celebrations like National Day is an important manifestation of the diverse characteristics of Malaysia, which is well-known for being a multiracial country.
As such, the instruction from the school to its students to comply with the saree ban or face disciplinary measures is puzzling. Even more bizarre was that Indian students were disallowed from wearing sarees.
"This suggests that the said school’s authorities are ignorant about the characteristics of Malaysia’s multicultural society or trying to impose their values over others," said Saw.
"Not only have they disrespected the traditional culture of all ethnic groups, they have also deprived students of their right to present their cultural identity. The school’s approach is undoubtedly contrary to the multicultural and inclusive values espoused by 'Malaysia Madani'advocated by the Unity Government today."
Back to Kuantan, where it looks like the Menteri Besar Wan Rosdu Wan Ismail will stay implacable to pleas to stop the road name-change, Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang says he plans to contest the decision at an upcoming exco meeting.
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