COMMENT l It is sickening to note how individuals and groups exploit social, ethnic and religious differences to make profit. Even natural disasters such as the tsunami have provided plentiful opportunities for entrepreneurs to make a quick buck, usually at the expense of the suffering masses.

In Malaysia, ethnic and religious differentiation have provided ample opportunities for business ventures and entrepreneurships. In recent years, entrepreneurs have sought to take advantage of these opportunities, especially in the provision of services that are syariah compliant.

But while we have heard much about the compliance to syariah in the food industry in the production and provisions of halal goods, we are surprised to hear that even the travel industry has become smitten with the requirements of syariah.

Rayani Air, founded by Ravi Alagendran and wife Karthiyani Govindan, both Hindus, have just obtained a license to operate an airline that will have 350 staff, eight pilots and 50 cabin crew. For now, Rayani Air will fly to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur and later there are plans for expansion to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

According to the founders, while travel in the airline is opened to all, but they are primarily eyeing the Muslim market in Malaysia as 60 percent of the population is Muslims. The airline will be syariah compliant, only halal food will be served; Muslim staff will have their heads covered, and if non-Muslims are employed, they will have adhere to Islamic attire. There will be prayers before take-offs and landings, no alcohol will be served and pork will be prohibited.

It is apparent that this husband-and-wife team have little regard for the non-Muslims in the country. Although they are Hindu, they don’t seem to understand that starting an airline on a syariah-complaint basis will have negative effect on the use of the airline by non-Muslims. Obviously, Rayani Air will not treat non-Muslims as equals in their travels and this will contribute to yet another form of polarisation in our already much-divided society.

The Malaysian government tries to encourage this kind of business ventures in the airline industry not so much that it will turn out to be profitable, but for scoring political points on the Islamic character of the nation.

Just imagine what will happen to the minorities if the government of India gives out licences for airlines to cater mainly for the Hindu majority in India. What if Sri Lanka promotes airlines that cater for the Buddhist majority? Or if European countries give preferential treatment to whites rather those coloured or blacks? We condemned apartheid in South Africa, but aren’t we are doing what we condemned?

Even Arab countries do not have airlines that cater only for Muslims. Yes, there might be prayers on board and so on, but there is equal treatment for all the passengers immaterial of their religious affiliation. Just look at the diversity and international character of some of the best airlines in the Arab world; Emirates and Qatar airlines being good examples.

Learn from Fernandes

Perhaps Air Rayani founders should learn some useful tips from Tony Fernandes, the CEO of AirAsia, and the number one airline in Malaysia.

Fernandez was successful not only because he had the right management skills, but he made it possible for ordinary people to travel cheaply and safely. He cared for those who could not afford to travel because of the practices of some airlines in imposing exorbitant fares.

Ravi Alagendran and his wife should not seek to make money by exploiting the deep ethnic and religious divisions in Malaysia. In fact, as responsible citizens, they should contribute in some ways to reduce the growing sense of apartheid in Malaysia.

We are already deeply divided. We are polarised to the extent even a small incident might spark and racial and religious riots. But unfortunately, our leaders continue to divide us further.

Let us respect and celebrate ethnic, religious and cultural diversity in Malaysia. Let us say no to those who want to divide and polarise our society further.

Let the government of the day be sensitive to and consider the broader interests of the society, rather than caving in to political and religious pressure of some segments in our society.

P RAMASAMY is Deputy Chief Minister II of Penang and the state assemblyperson for Perai.