Are Politicians Tearing This Country Apart?

 

PMX recently reminded Malaysians that the ethnic diversity in the country remained one of its greatest strengths and asked Malaysians not to allow racial sentiments propagated by certain leaders to undermine the nation’s strength. But the ordinary rakyat wish to inform that this advice should be directed specifically to politicians, whoever and whichever political party they are from. 

An overnight roadside mechanic widely known as "Abang Minyak Hitam Jalanan," helped fix a stranded motorcycle belonging to a single father, Dicky Lau. And when Dicky couldn't pay the RM145 fee, the kind mechanic let it go as a blessing. That is not an isolated nor a coincidental case. Things like this happen throughout the country daily regardless of time and day. It is just not reported or reported but not as widely as the above case.

 

https://www.wikiimpact.com / The Sun

 On the ground, the everyday reality is one of organic, daily harmony—colleagues eating together at the mamak, neighbours celebrating each other’s festivals, and communities pulling together during floods or crises. This core unity is undeniable. Grassroots unity is highly resilient. Generally, most ordinary Malaysians inherently understand the value of a multiracial society and actively practice mutual respect. 

In contrast, political bickering—whether between competing Malay-based parties fighting for the same voter base or coalitions scapegoating minorities—often overshadows real economic or social issues. Like clockwork, once too frequently, some down and out and mentally ill politician will issue some hate speech to fracture this unity. 

For this small group of politicians, they find it useful to frame issues through narrow ethnic or religious lenses as it is easier for them to mobilize support through fear and communal rallying cries than to compete purely on policy, governance, or economic progress. This small group of politicians consistently manufacture friction meant to create artificial distrust amongst the ordinary rakyat. To them, upliftment of one community must come at the expense of another. 

It is especially during election time that we have extremist views – I will not sit with that particular party or person; or, there is a sudden realisation that garbage must be separated between halal and non-halal; or, we must not hold any celebration that may invoke sensitivities of another group? To secure votes, politicians have no qualms. Once elected, it is about unity, harmony and peace. Thank God for good sense at the grassroot level. 

Reference:

Opinion: It is the politicians that are tearing this country apart, not ordinary Malaysians, FLK, Newswav, 27 June 2026