Stop utilising scholarly findings irresponsibly and reject ethnocentrism and racial supremacism

Gerakan criticise Isma for racist statement claiming Malaysia is for Malays

Cheah Soon Hai: Stop utilising scholarly findings irresponsibly and reject ethnocentrism and racial supremacism

Press statement by

Gerakan Deputy President

Dato’ Dr Cheah Soon Hai

28 February 2014

Following a statement made by Islamic NGO Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma) vice-president II, Abdul Rahman Dali claiming that Malaysia is the land of the Malays while at the same time telling the Chinese and Indians not to question the Malay position has drawn an outcry from Gerakan Deputy President, Dato Dr Cheah Soon Hai. He said that such statement is not only racist in nature but it also reflects the mentality still unwarping Abdul Rahman Dali.

Cheah stressed that we must accept the political modernity of the day with realistic reference to the citizenship and national sovereignty. He strongly believed that Malaysians of all backgrounds – regardless of gender, ethnicity, faith or affiliation should embrace the diversity and richness of multiculturalism in our multiracial society as the proud characteristic of our nationhood. He maintained that no one in the country could stand on its own without the harmonious co-operation and understanding between its people as he firmly reiterated that Malaysia is for all Malaysians.

“While freedom of speech should be respected, it does not mean that one can utilize scholarly findings irresponsibly that could lead to the spread of degrading ethnocentrism and racial supremacism. As it could incite racial mistrust and tension that unravels our current establishments and derails development planning for the future,” said Cheah.

Cheah said Gerakan as a Malaysian party calls upon the government of the people to lead the effort in constituting a more inclusive democracy and nation-state with a truly Malaysian identity. He cautioned that the National Reconciliation Plan cannot afford to be sidetracked or undermined by irresponsible antagonists, it would end up in failure if nothing concrete is being done to ensure its effectiveness.

“I firmly believe that more focus and effort should be directed towards the building of social unity instead of condemning ourselves into acts of damaging racial politicking and divisive sectarianism for selfish political gains. Extremist groups should repent and stop the irresponsible incitement,” added Cheah.

 

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民政党抨马来西亚穆斯林连线指马来西亚是属于马来人言论

谢顺海：拒绝种族中心主义及优越主义

民政党署理主席

拿督谢顺海医生

文告

2014年2月28日

针对有关马来西亚穆斯林连线副主席阿都拉曼指马来西亚是属于马来人的国土，并表示华裔与印裔无权过问马来人的地位，民政党署理主席拿督谢顺海医生大表抨击。他指出，该言论不仅带有种族主义，也反映了阿都拉曼的扭曲心态。

谢顺海医生强调我们必须参照公民和国家主权，接受现有的政治模式。他认为所有国民，不分性别、种族及信仰，都应秉持在我国多元社会中的多元性及丰富性，并为此特征感到骄傲。他表示没有任何一个国家可以在国民不和谐与不互相理解的情况下继续向前迈进。他重申，马来西亚是属于所有马来西亚人的。

“尽管言论自由必须受到维护，但这不代表我们可以滥用学术研究成果，这可能会导致种族中心主义和种族优越主义散播，并会煽动种族间的不信任感和紧张氛围，破坏我国目前的建设和未来的发展计划。”谢顺海医生表示。

谢顺海医生认为，民政党作为全民政党，呼吁政府应努力建立更具包容性的民主和真正马来西亚人民身份的民族国家。他指出，国民和解方案不应被不负责任的一方转移或破坏，若没有任何具体方案能确保其有效性，最终或将面临失败。

“我坚决认为更多的精力与努力应投入在社会团结建设上，而不是为了自身的政治利益，进行种族性政治活动及分化主义。极端主义群应悔改，并停止一切不负责任的煽动”谢顺海医生补充