LETTER | PAS wants to work with non-Malays and non-Muslims who are “not extreme.” I have been hearing this call for a while and in recent times the frequency has increased.

But do we exactly know what “not extreme” is all about? Does PAS have a clear notion of this? Similarly, do the non-Malays and non-Muslims have their own understanding of what is extreme and what is moderate?

In Malaysia’s scheme of things, extremism and moderation are almost always defined differently depending on which religious or racial group is doing the defining. Hence, it is very common to discern extremists from one group labelling another group as extreme.

True moderates will try their best to work with all including neutralising and placating those who are extreme.

Extremists, on the other hand, will show their intolerance from the very beginning by stating that they will not work with people who are “extreme”. Have they not demonstrated their own extremism by not wanting to work with people who are different from them?

Coming back to extreme non-Malays and non-Muslims, may I ask PAS the following questions?  

1. If non-Malays and non-Muslims want to contribute and play some leadership roles to help manage the country, is this considered as extreme, intending to challenge the privileges of the Malays as stated in the Federal Constitution? There is no Malay supremacy in the Constitution, so I shall not touch on that. 

2. If non-Malays and non-Muslims want to study English, Mandarin, and other languages to make themselves more marketable and versatile, is this considered parochial, intending to challenge Bahasa Malaysia as the official language of the country? 

3. If non-Malays and non-Muslims ask for equality (not to control and dominate) just like the African Americans asked in the US at one time and the Palestinians are asking in Israel now, is this considered as extreme intending to change the “character” of this nation?

4. If non-Malays and non-Muslims should be treated with lesser equality because this is Tanah Melayu, how unequal should it be? Do you have the parameters in place or will this be just based on whims and fancies?

Since independence, Malaysia has been peaceful and harmonious. I think many cherish the blessings bestowed on us when compared with the turmoil occurring in so many other places. 

This country is rich enough for everyone if we govern with prudence and honesty. It is never about race or religion. It is all about equipping our people so that they are smart enough to take care of themselves.

Asking our people to nitpick what is ours and what is others’ will only make all of us poorer.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.