By CC Pung, J.P
Tokoh Wartawan Sabah and FT Labuan
At 15+ million worldwide, and comprising only under 2% of the world population, the Jews and their home country of Israel sure commanded disproportionately more global attention that any people and any nation.
At just about 22+k sq km in size, Israel is about one-third the size of my unknown Sabah state here in Borneo.
And, with 7+ million people, the population density in Israel is twice that of my home land.
So, it was fascinating listening to fiery debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially those that took place following last Oct 7’s murderous Hamas rampage in some Jewish villages killing many.
Most of the debators inevitably re-visited the topics of zionism and antisemitism, and couldn’t agree whether they are two sides of the same “hate the Jews’ coin.
One question that made me think was: can you declare that you hate the Jewish nation (ie anti-zionist) but you don’t hate the Jewish people?
Let’s superimpose this question on Malaysia.
I’m prompted to ask how much I, as a Malaysian Chinese, can trust the many majority Malay politicians who declared they had no problem with my community but in the same breath called me ‘pendatang’ (immigrant) and ‘cina babi’ (Chinese pig), demanded to close Chinese schools?
I know little of the Palestinian issue and this unfathomable (to me) Arab (as well as Iranian Persians) hatred for Jews.
Even their scriptures preached Jew hate, and their governments, like the Hamas, have in their founding charters the extermination of the Jews!
But listening to the debaters detailing the roots of the troubles, dangerous indoctrination, global complicity led by the US and the arms industry, I see uncomfortable reflections on Malaysia and the dangers of the wrong words in ill intended narratives.
As an example, we often innocently, for effect, tossed about phrases like ‘tear your heart out, or ‘roast you alive’, etc.
Unfortunately, the young Hamas marauders on Oct 7 did exactly those (and other grotesque killing) to their victims.
Malaysia is majority Muslim.
Hamas is all Muslim. Malaysia supports them and, generally, the Palestinian cause.
Our government of Anwar Ibrahim is stirring up much domestic debate about whether we’re biting off more than we can Chew.
I hope Anwar realises that while we have a Muslim majority, , we are not an Islamic country where sharia rules.
His persistence, explicit, and loud link to Hamas is not helping Malaysia’s effort in dealing with current rising sentiments on race and religion.
He may be guilty of indoctrinating young minds in Malaysia to resent non Muslims.
He should know that while books or texts or modules indoctrinate, his actions and pronouncement as head of the govt are often considered ‘fatwa’ (religious proclamation) to the unenlightened.
He should also be aware that ‘thinking’ isn’t common with many people across the world nowadays. I think Malaysians are not any different.
Meanwhile, the debates revealed accusations about the generalisation that all who disliked Israel and the anti Jew protesters and the speakers who questioned zionism are antisemitic.
Such stereotyping is against free speech.
Then I thought ….. If I asked a few questions about Islam, I’ll likely be branded islamophobic and put myself in harm’s way.
Won’t I? And who cares about free speech? Who cares if I’m just inquiring?
Who cares if I, as a mere mortal, asked only becaise I couldn’t grasp quranic verses that are the unchanged, eternal truths from the divine Allah?
Wouldn’t I be blasphemous if I brazenly declared or implied that I fully understood His divine words and thus have no further question?
In any other pursuit of seeking and learning and inquiring, questioning is a necessary process. Isn’t it?
Why do I get a feeling that inquiring is becoming a taboo?
…. and meanwhile, innocent people die, the children die while politicians thump their chests and the arms manufacturers and dealers smile their way to the banks.
Editor: The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the talantang.com
