The PKR deputy president pointed out that Malaysians in general were unhappy with the direction of the country including the increase ethnic and religious tensions which he said was “sometimes generated.”
“If we start creating animosity, then we are not building a strong community,” he said.
Syed Husin referred to Teo Nie Ching’s visit to a Surau in her constituency, which was turned into a controversy, as an example.
Politicians from Umno kicked up a storm over the issue while Malay rights group called for action to be taken against the Serdang MP.
But he pointed out that non-Muslims were allowed to enter mosques even during the time of the Prophet.
“Who are we to say non-Muslims cannot enter a Surau or say they are uncleaned and who are we to suspend the Surau committee?” he asked.
Syed Husin expressed concerned that the country could be destroyed if racial and religious conflict is not controlled.
He also lamented that the rising cost of living due to the removal of subsidies and the increasing crime rate, including the murder of Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya and three others, were all contributing to the uphappy situation in Malaysia.
During the interview early this month, Lee had said that Malaysians would be enjoying his city-state’s brand of nationalism and multi-racialism today, if both nations had not separated.
Lee claimed that if Malaysia’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman had decided to keep both nations together 45 years ago, much of what Singapore had achieved today in terms of equality among the races would be likewise be achieved in Malaysia.
The longest serving Singapore prime minister also claimed that Malaysia’s pro-Malay policy has resulted in segregated communities.
He explained that while he was satisfied with race relations in Singapore, it still remained his regret that this could not have been done on a larger scale together with Malaysia.
