Why do Malaysians only unite when tragedy strikes, asks Kit Siang
Malaysians should pause and ponder why it is only capable of unity when it is hit with disasters and catastrophes but not during "ordinary times", said DAP's Lim Kit Siang.
He said the rare unity shown by parliamentarians yesterday in unanimously passing a motion by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to condemn the attack on flight MH17, is a mirror of the unity among Malaysians shown in the past week following the disaster.
"While we unite in grief and sorrow, extending condolences, support, sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved families, relatives and friends as well as encouragement and support to the MAS employees, Malaysians should pause and ponder why we are only capable of unity when there is disaster and catastrophe but not during ordinary times," the DAP adviser said in a statement today.
Lim (pic) said with the country under the shadow and reeling from the shock of two air disasters in the space of five months, including the disappearance of flight MH370 in March, Malaysians must be reminded of the truth and power of the adage, "united we stand, divided we fall".
"This is, therefore, the time when Malaysians should talk the language of unity, moderation, tolerance and justice and not the language of division, extremism, hatred and injustice.
"However, Malaysia seemed to have lost its national direction in the past 14 months, heading towards a 'failed state' status with the country never more divided and disunited."
He said that it was not an exaggeration to say that the nation had never seen greater racial and religious polarisation since last year's general election, which has drowned out voices of unity, moderation, tolerance and justice.
"The two air disasters, MH370 and MH17, have been salutary reminders of the perils of such racial and religious polarisation, bringing Malaysians back to the reality and truism that regardless of race, religion or politics, we are one Malaysian people who must remain united to face the challenges of the future, whether adversities, achievements or triumphs," he said.
He called on lawmakers to take the unanimity shown yesterday in Parliament on the downing of MH17 another step farther, to show unity and solidarity in ending the racial and religious polarisation and extremism.
"Can the country benefit from the shock and trauma of the two air disasters of the past five months to end the racial and religious rhetoric of division, extremism, hatred and injustice of the past 14 months?"
Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was struck by a surface-to-air missile, believed to be by pro-Russian separatists, and crashed in the troubled region of eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. – July 24, 2014.
