Are Chinese novices in politics?

How would you expect a “Haji” to respond to an article that said Chinese versus Malays has been and will remain the basis of Malaysian politics?

I have admired the haj since childhood.

Haj pilgrims sense they need to be cleansed of personal impurities, to be changed, to be made righteous.

The haj pilgrimage powerfully demonstrates equality before God. Pilgrims dress alike, although they are from all nations and races.

Those who have performed the haj often add the title Haji or Hajjah before their names. Like “Reverend,” it’s a warning to watch your words when in their presence.

A Haji drove me home from the airport recently. He told me that he used to be a property broker.

He said he stopped being a broker after he performed the haj, because, “after the haj, you become aware that what is ‘normal business’ may be wrong before God.”

I’ve met many Muslims who treat the haj as a turning point in their lives. By their own admission, they are “better Muslims” after they perform the Haj.

So, I think the haj is a very powerful feature of Islam. It shows Muslims they are all equal before God and that there is a way which pleases God and a way which does not.

So, is it possible to say a Haji will reject Chinese versus Malay politics, just like the taxi-Haji will reject certain business practices?

I ask because a Haji recently said Bersih has “dispensed with its multi-racial ideals.” He based his claim on the fact that the Bersih 4 rally didn’t include PAS “foot-soldiers.”

He added that in Bersih 4, “the Chinese” confidently protested “to the face” of Malays, and that this caused Malay sensitivity to rise.

He added that “the Chinese [by which he meant the DAP] are novices in politics.”

The Haji didn’t reveal any awareness of what Bersih 4 protested against.

Bersih 4 was a call for institutional reforms, and for the prime minister to step down over the punishments he handed out to those who were investigating allegations that he engaged in corrupt practices.

In Bersih 4: Who is the biggest loser, I explained why it was false to say that the Malay community did not support Bersih 4 when Malay leaders including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, showed up.

Additionally, a PAS spokesman was the only political party representative who spoke at the launch of Bersih 4. The spokesman said PAS supported Bersih 4. It’s worth noting that most who sang, played musical instruments, and performed skits at the launch of Bersih 4 were members of the Malay community.

Yet, because PAS was a no-show, it is true to say that PAS did not support Bersih 4.

I digressed. My purpose is not to counter false claims about Bersih. My purpose is to ask what Islam teaches about using race as a political ideology.

I expect Muslims to respond on the basis of “higher truths.” I expect them to rebuke people who use racial ideology to shape society. I expect them to reason like Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Mujahid’s book “Islam & Kepelbagaian” (my translation: Islam and Plural society) has a chapter titled “Malaysia tanpa Perkauman” (Malaysia without racism).

Mujahid would not agree that Bersih 4 displays “in your face behaviour” by the Chinese towards the Malays. He came to Bersih 4 and addressed the crowds. He said “I don’t give a damn” about the racial composition of the crowd.

Mujahid’s book reveals what inspired his damning speech. He appeals to chapter 49 of the Quran. He references verse 13, which Dr Yusuf Ali translates thus:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

Mujahid writes that God placed mankind in races to enable us to know one another better, not to despise one another. He says this is the positive aspect of race.

Mujahid then writes about the destructive – and forbidden – aspect of race. He says using race as ideology to shape economic, political and social structures is destructive; using racial ideology to elevate one race or to suppress another is destructive.

He says the Biro Tata Negara (BTN) is destructive, as is the government’s support of race-based NGOs.

Is Chinese versus Malay politics inevitable? Are the Chinese novices in politics?

My response: “Who’s asking? Why? On what basis? Whom does God honour?” – January 7, 2016.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.