FEB 16 - So what say you, Mr 1 Malaysia? Do you agree that there needs to be rules and guidelines to govern the interaction between Muslims and non-Malaysia?

According to the government-sponsored Persatuan Ulama Malaysia (PUM), the “guideline on the code of conduct between Muslims and non-Muslims in Malaysia” (Garis Panduan Fiqh Interaksi Orang Islam dan Bukan Islam di Malaysia) would help avoid confusion between the two groups and make people better understand Islam.

“This is important and has to be done immediately as a solution to religious issues concerning a multi-racial society in Malaysia. Recurring issues are not just about religious celebrations of different races but other aspects of law, administration and economy,” said PUM secretary-general Dr Mohd Roslan Mohd Nor in a statement carried by The Malaysian Insider.

Seems to me that instead of getting closer to each other, Malaysians are getting more polarised under 1 Malaysia.

Could it be that after more than two years of its introduction, many Malaysians don’t know what it means or don’t believe the government is committed to a united country beyond some slogans and gimmicks?

I can only surmise that Malaysia is not ready to join the global movement of moderates. We are a country going down the slippery slope of racial polarisation and division.

I never thought I would see the day when the proud nation of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Cheng Lock, Sambanthan would be having a discourse on guidelines to keep us apart. That is the end result of just loving form over substance.

Will our PM stand up and hold the line against extremism or is he going to remain on the periphery of this issue?

My guess is that it will be down to us — Ahmad, Ah Chong, Gopal and our brothers and sisters from East Malaysia to hold the line against the extremism proposed by PUM.

* Lucius Goon reads The Malaysian Insider.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.