Divide-and-rule system led to curry powder fiasco

 Malaccan: The hurt to the Hindu community cannot be measured. But it can perhaps be assuaged and restituted.

By not accepting apologies, if from a repentant offender, what are we left with? It leads to the hardening of stances and we all know parallel lines never meet.

This is an opportunity to teach those who would insult any Malaysian the better behaviour. Not that insults should be condoned, but there is a price to pay. In Shahul Hamid’s case, let the law take its course as his payment to society.

But let forgiveness heal both the victim and change the one who had caused the injury. The outrage is real and heartfelt. But beyond it, there must be a bridge.

Even if Perkasa and Isma were to repent and apologise today, we would still ask for appropriate amends, and be wary until they prove their sincerity, but we would need to move on.

Right now, they are still a train-wreck heading over a cliff, adamant to take as many with them as possible. Let us stop it or warn others of the danger, even if the authorities just sit idly by.

Single Malt: PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan, for once you have hit the nail on the head. However, the damage created by the divide-and-rule principle will be difficult to eradicate. It is here to stay.

It will raise its ugly head once in a while and we must learn to ignore it.

Whatsup: Religious leaders are to promote peace and love, and the beauties of their religion. Why some feel it necessary to make fiery speeches at the expense of other faiths and communities is mind-boggling.

Ksn: The way to champion Islam is not by ridiculing Hinduism but by preaching the true principles of Islam. Does Islam say that other religions must be insulted to safeguard Islam?

Odysseus: Whatever that needs to be said to the people of your own religion, please do not ridicule other religions to score points. I am sure your religion has plentiful of great stories to tell to motivate your congregation.

Please stay on your side of the line so that peace and harmony can be maintained.

Peacemaker: Endemic racism, no, institutionalised and court condoned racism, does not legitimise racism. Any fair-minded person should be above racism and condemn it instead of indulging and then blaming everything else except his own ingrained racism.

Ustaz Sahul is a closet racist who got found out and has been given a browbeating by netizens. He has to learn his lesson that such behaviour does not pass muster with ordinary people.

Even though he has apologised, he remains guilty of racism but his apology may go some way to averting severe punishment for his indiscretion.

Anonymous_1ingrate: How you conduct yourself whether in public or behind closed doors is of utmost importance to being a spiritual leader. You should have acted responsibly to make this world a better place to live in.

I really hope you repent following your public apology, and act with humility. Please detach yourself from Umno’s instincts and nature.

Anonymous #57883242: I disagree with Arul. Shahul knew exactly what he was doing as he had done it before, and he would do it again.

Paul Warren: Selangor Islamic authority Jakim’s sermons almost say the same thing as the ustaz. Isma and Perkasa often say the same sorts of things.

But why are the police acting so fast this time? Because he is a member of PAS? He is silly to follow the ‘do as the Umno supporters do’ mentality.

Dkay: All these guys who make racist remarks are not taught this is morally wrong and rude, and of course that the authorities don’t take action adds to it.

Imagine if this was made by an opposition leader… he would have been arrested by now.

Lokaikai: Everybody blames the religion but it’s the leaders of the religious groups who are at fault, just like what is happening now in our own home. It’s the leader of political parties, the religious groups, the leaders of NGOs, who are at fault.

If we don’t stop all these now, we are not far from the breaking down, just like the Brazil football team. It’s up to the leaders themselves to set their mindset to the right path.

Headhunter: The fact is that PM Najib Razak as the PM could easily put a stop to all these religious and racial extremism, but he doesn’t want to because he’s milking it to the maximum, perhaps thinking that it is to his advantage.

With the Home Ministry and the police at his beck and call, the issue will not die. In fact it will continue to escalate as his own position becomes more desperate.

We have to change the government if we want it to stop. There’s no other option.

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