FIRST, US Vice-President JD Vance found himself being rebuked – for his disrespectful comments about “Chinese peasants”.

In a recent interview, when speaking about the effects of the Trump Administration’s tariffs, he said the US “borrows money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.’’

As expected, it earned a quick rebuttal from the Chinese Foreign Ministry while the Chinese social media set Vance on fire for his remarks.

Then came Conservative talk show personality, Bill O’Reilly, who arrogantly suggested that President Xi Jinping had wasted his time with his South-East Asian tour, which included Malaysia.

In a typical display of haughtiness and ignorance, O’Reilly claimed Xi was “wasting his time in South-East Asia because the Malays have no money.”

We do not know if the 75-year-old newsman used the term “Malays” to refer to Malaysians in general, or to pin-point the Malay-majority population of Malaysia, or even the broader ethnic group found across South-East Asia.

But it is safe to assume that he had in mind the population of Malaysia. It also indicated his lack of knowledge of Malaysia’s diversity.

Like many Americans, he has probably never set foot in Malaysia and South-East Asia. His perception of Asians is probably based on Hollywood movies where the white man is always sweating away in noisy, crowded Asian market places, where, for some reason, everyone is using chopsticks.

It doesn’t matter which Asian city it is, it is always chopsticks.

To his feeble mind, we are just Third World people living in slums who can’t even afford our next meal.

Well, is that a surprise? No. It has been reported that although the majority of Americans have travelled abroad at least once, a significant percentage (27%) have never left their country.

The report said the degree of international travel experience varies widely among Americans, with only 11% having visited 10 or more foreign countries.

So, it is very likely that the average American would not know what Asean is. They may know about Singapore or Thailand, but Malaysia could well be Mars for many.

O’Reilly’s remarks not only reflect a gross misunderstanding of South-East Asian geopolitics but also insults millions of Malaysians and their South-East Asian neighbours who have built vibrant, culturally rich, and economically growing nations.

To reduce their global significance to mere economic labels is not only simplistic but also racially charged.

I am proud of Malaysia. So are most of us. We take the trouble to explain the location of our small country to foreigners when we are abroad.

The reality is that Malaysia is a middle-income country with a diversified economy that spans electronics, petroleum, palm oil, tourism, and increasingly, digital services.

Malaysia is certainly not a “shit-hole country”, as Donald Trump infamously referred to African countries, Haiti and El Salvador in an interview in 2018.

Malaysia’s economy grew by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2024, with a 5.4% growth recorded in the previous quarter.

Overall, Malaysia’s economy grew at 5.1% (2023:3.6%) in 2024, with a value of RM1.93 trillion at current prices and RM1.65 trillion at constant prices.

Gross national income per capita increased by 3.6% to RM54,894 from a marginal decrease of 0.2% (RM52,991) in 2023.

Kuala Lumpur and Penang are home to a thriving tech scene and a growing number of start-ups, not to mention some of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world.

The Straits of Malacca remains one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet, making it geopolitically indispensable.

Our streets are safe. No one gets shot in schools. The metro stations are clean, bright and the trains run on time. No graffiti covers the walls of the stations.

Our streets are not filled with homeless people and the zombie druggies found in many American cities.

That’s Malaysia for you.

To call Malays “poor” is not just misleading; it shows a lack of understanding of socio-economic dynamics and how wealth and development are measured.

While challenges like rural poverty remain, as they do in the US, Malaysia has made remarkable progress in human development, infrastructure, and education.

For O’Reilly to suggest that Xi is merely “waiting” in South-East Asia implies that the region is a passive playground for global powers.

Asean is made up of 10 member states – with Timor Leste coming in next – playing a critical but neutral role in regional security, economic integration, and multilateral diplomacy.

Malaysia is clear about the US and China. Both are important trading partners. We will give an equally grand welcome to Trump if he comes to KL.

In fact, Asean leaders are ready to travel to Washington DC to meet Trump to engage with him. But China is our neighbour. It’s just a four-hour flight from KL to Beijing, and from Kota Kinabalu to Hainan, it’s less than two hours. That’s how close we are to each other.

Regular visitors would know how far China has advanced and how it has lifted its people out of poverty.

The US, meanwhile, continues to lag behind in many sectors because it continues to think it is superior.

China’s engagement in Asean is a strategic economic and diplomatic initiative aimed at expanding influence, often through soft power, trade, and infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

O’Reilly’s condescending view of South-East Asians is both analytically weak and morally offensive.

As one report said: “O’Reilly’s remarks are laced with cultural superiority. Such commentary doesn’t just diminish the credibility of the speaker – it also poisons public discourse with half-truths and prejudice.”

O’Reilly really should get off his moral high horse, especially since he is someone who has faced – and settled – multi-million-dollar sexual harassment suits with at least six women. It reportedly totalled US$45mil (RM198.3mil).

The hilarity of it all was highlighted by one “Rep Jack Kimble”, who had the world in stitches when he tweeted that “we aren’t the only beef supplier in the world, but China isn’t the only huge country either.

“If they’re going to pivot from us, we should do the same and start selling more of our beef to India.’’

He then went on to follow up with: “Okay, I may have misspoken. It seems exporting beef to India is going to be tough with certain Hindu beliefs.

“However, instead of selling our cattle that way, what if we ransomed them off? How much would India pay if we’d let it go?”

This “Republican Congressman” is fictional and the account is fake but his remarks cleverly parodied the attitude of people like O’Reilly, who is not just ignorant but also obnoxious.

And we all remember Pete Hegseth, the Defence Secretary, who was stumped when asked about Asean during his confirmation hearing in Senate in January. He could not name a single member country of Asean.

That kind of ignorance would be downright comical, if it weren’t so serious.

United front: Effective negotiation with the US is the top priority but Asean regional solidarity is also essential. — Reuters

IT’S a short relief as US President Donald Trump pressed the pause button on his sweeping tariffs, but as the world knows by now, he is totally unpredictable.

We never know what’s coming and the 90-day reprieve Trump has announced will only help give us some breathing room to navigate the next storm.

When announcing his tariffs for more than 180 countries – on top of a blanket 10% duty on almost all imports to the United States – Trump spared Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, a critical sector which accounts for 22.8% of Malaysia’s US-bound exports.

While the industry is exempted from tariffs for now, no one will dare to say for how long.

The national Geo Economic Command Centre, headed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will meet again tomorrow to plan its moves.

There is certainly much urgency at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya.

The leaders of each country have adopted different approaches and methods on how best they can cut a deal with Trump and reassure their domestic concerns and interests.

How about Malaysia? What will it do about the 24% tariff that has been imposed on it?

The Anwar leadership has adopted the “resilience, not retaliation” approach, recognising the fact that we are just a small trading country.

We are in no position to stand up against the mighty Americans, and that is not our plan anyway.

China is perhaps the only country that has decided, and which dares, to take on the US with retaliatory measures as the world looks on helplessly at the two economic giants battling it out.

Both the US and China are among our top trading partners, with Malaysia continuously emphasising that we will remain neutral between these two nations.

Malaysia knows its position. So we must take a prudent approach.

However, remaining calm does not mean not doing anything.

As analyst Dr Rais Hussin wrote, Malaysia has helped to contain the shock, preserved investor confidence, protected domestic industries, and reinforced its standing as a proponent of rules-based trade.

“Against this backdrop, Malaysia’s decision to remain measured sends a stabilising signal to global investors.

“Amid rising protectionist rhetoric, a predictable, rules-based environment becomes increasingly appealing,’’ he wrote.

The Anwar administration has rightly implemented a multi- faceted strategy to mitigate the impact of the tariff imposed by focusing on diplomatic engagement, economic resilience, and regional cooperation.

Calls have already been made, without any fanfare or publicity, to key American officials and influential figures.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Aziz, who chaired the Asean Economic Ministers’ meeting last week, said Malaysia hopes to secure regional consensus to face the burdens and to take a more solid stance as a group.

Various Asean members, notably Vietnam and Cambodia, have been slapped with much higher tariffs than Malaysia, and some argue that they would require different approaches.

The hardest hit are Cambodia (49%), Laos (48%), Vietnam (46%), Myanmar (44%) and Thailand (36%). Brunei is in a similar predicament as Malaysia at 24%, while Philippines (17%) and Singapore, facing a baseline tariff of 10%, are a bit better off.

The question is whether Trump will want to talk to Asean as a bloc or would prefer to deal individually with each country.

Malaysia, as the Chair of Asean now, remains committed to cooperating with member countries in reducing disruptions, strengthening economic resilience, and fighting for a balanced and stable trade relationship.

At the same time, Malaysia is leveraging the Malaysia-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to negotiate exemptions and address trade imbalances.

Certainly, we must step up our commitment to seeking solutions through continuous engagement with the White House.

More than ever, we need our Malaysian ambassador to Washington DC to be in place as soon as possible. The career diplomat, who has yet to be officially named, has already been endorsed by His Majesty, the King of Malaysia. It would be good if his credentials are accepted by the US soon.

Tengku Zafrul has also announced plans to lead a delegation to Washington DC to discuss the tariff.

At the same time, Malaysia has begun to engage in a diversification of partnerships to actively expand relations with other nations and seek trade opportunities.

This includes leveraging Malaysia’s role in multilateral trade agreements to reduce reliance on any single market.

As the saying goes, there is an opportunity in every crisis. This is the time for Malaysia to accelerate economic reforms to strengthen fundamentals and enhance resilience against external shocks.

Malaysia is also utilising regional agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to diversify trade and reduce reliance on the US market.

It is important that the country embraces multiculturalism to sidestep geopolitical crossfires and fast track opening new markets.

Certainly, our partnership in BRICS with its emerging market economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa is a big help.

Likewise, for the first time, Asean heads of government will meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China as part of the Asean Malaysia 2025 programme. The GCC comprises the powerful Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates.

The bottom line is that while Malaysia’s non-confrontational multifaceted approach aims to minimise immediate damage, long-term risks remain, including potential supply chain reconfigurations and reduced foreign investment.

Effective negotiation with the US is the top priority but Asean regional solidarity is also essential.

As Asean leaders prepare to meet in Kuala Lumpur next month, everyone understands the need to adapt to shifting global trade dynamics as disorder becomes the norm now.

Unity in action: Aaron shared this photo of a Muslim man performing his prayers at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple that opened its gates to victims and rescuers during the fire in Putra Heights. The Unity Minister praised the spirit of unity among Malaysians who reached out in various ways to help. — Pic provided

IT was heartwarming, but it was not something extraordinary, at least not in Malaysia.

Malaysians have always come together to help each other in times of need.

Unity in crisis has always been a hallmark of this country. And it was clear again in Putra Heights this past week.

We have to ignore the toxic racist social media rants, and the venomous statements by some politicians and narcissistic influencers who have made a name for themselves by making inflammatory remarks.

They claim to be champions of their race and religions but do we see them when help is needed the most?

A few days ago, the gas pipeline explosion at Putra Heights, Selangor, shocked the nation as most of us have not seen such a massive fire before.

The media labelled it a “monster fire” and it was a miracle that no one died.

It is also most unfortunate that the incident took place on the second day of Hari Raya, when the nation was celebrating this holy festival.

But ironically, the spirit of the nation was lifted even during this tragic incident, as we saw Malaysian humanity shining bright.

Ordinary people of all races and religions who lived nearby and in other parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, turned up to offer their assistance to the over 500 victims, showcasing the true spirit of Malaysia.

Our men and women in uniform – the police, firefighters and the volunteers, civil defence rescue units, the medical teams and others – turned up swiftly to put out the inferno and to help.

Many of them would have been celebrating Hari Raya too, but they readily left their homes and families to perform their duties.

The Putra Heights Mosque turned its multipurpose hall into a temporary relief centre, sheltering victims whose homes were damaged in the fire.

The Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple did the same, opening its gates immediately upon hearing the blast and quickly setting up a makeshift medical base.

At both these places of worship, no one was turned away. Food and water was distributed to everybody. Restaurants nearby also readily offered free meals to victims and help providers.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim singled out the mosque and temple committees for praise for providing temporary shelter for the victims.

“This is how we do things; where there is a problem, we will work together and solve it,” he said.

The same sentiments were expressed by Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, who said religious diversity was not a barrier to unity but a strength that brings people together.

Malaysia needs leaders who readily speak up for national unity and diversity.

Such a narrative is important to remind Malaysians that the silent majority who care for the nation and their fellow citizens is actually larger than the loud minority who like to think that they speak for the rest of us.

One particularly moving report from the tragedy was that of an elderly Chinese shopkeeper who donated hundreds of bottles of water to firefighters, mostly Malays, battling the blaze.

There is also a heartwarming picture of a Muslim man, possibly a rescuer, performing his prayers at the temple.

It was also surely uplifting to see viral pictures of rescuers comforting the frightened dogs and cats left behind in homes or that had fled when the loud explosion occurred.

In some homes, the owners had balik kampung and the animals were home alone while the owners were away.

The Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor set up its operations base at the Putra Heights Dewan Camelia and then relocated to the temple, making it its coordination and relief post.

The total number of animals retrieved and treated after four days was 44 cats, seven dogs, and even two snakes. Unfortunately two dogs and a cat died.

Furry friends were not forgotten amidst the disaster. An officer from the Shah Alam Volunteer Fire Brigade, Datuk Dr Ken Foo (left), and his teammate rescued two pet dogs from three houses that caught fire. Many volunteers came forward to help with injured and lost pets. – Bernama

Fatimah Zaharah Rahim, who volunteers with several animal NGOs, spoke about her exhaustion after rescuing the animals, saying, “This is the second day and I haven’t slept for nearly 40 hours.

“I am not just helping animals but also people who need help.’’

These are the unsung heroes of Malaysia who asked for nothing in return. They were there not for the limelight. They had just one purpose – to help their fellow Malaysians in need.

Social media certainly played a crucial role in mobilising aid, with people offering transportation, financial support, and even opening their homes for victims to stay in temporarily.

The pictures of the mosque, temple, and rescuers uploaded by people were inspiring.

Medical professionals also volunteered their services, treating minor injuries, and offering counselling to those in distress, while lawyers showed up to offer legal assistance.

My media colleagues also shared with me stories of young people, youth groups, university students, and animal rights activists who collaborated to distribute aid efficiently.

Malaysians are often disheartened when they read racially-laced negative rhetoric, but what took place at Putra Heights shows that ordinary Malaysians can be relied on to remind us that we can live together.

They don’t need to be told that compassion, regardless of whatever faith, knows no boundaries.

Paradoxical as it may seem, it took an unfortunate incident to wake us up to the fact that Malaysians, if left on their own, will always carry the message of hope and unity.

Cool heads: The case of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple has been resolved by the stakeholders peacefully. — Bernama

IT was a good ending to a controversial issue involving a proposed new mosque on a piece of private land and a Hindu temple that has long occupied a small space there.

It proved that cool heads have prevailed.

Like everything involving race and religion in this country, it could have turned emotive, especially when disruptors on social media and politicians get into the act.

There are many who are not even stakeholders in this issue but want to be self-proclaimed communal heroes with their agitative messages and postures.

I don’t have to name them, but we all know who these serial characters, with their repulsive videos, are.

But it is commendable that landowner Jakel Trading Sdn Bhd has worked out the issue patiently and amicably with the management of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple, with the help of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

The temple will now be relocated to a piece of land opposite its current spot. To be precise, it will be just 50m away.

The new place, measuring 371sq m, will also be a little bigger than the old one.

It is good that the Prime Minister even took the opportunity to visit the temple after attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed Madani Mosque last Thursday.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier promised that the temple would not be touched, and that it would continue to operate until the relocation process begins.

After the brief meeting between Anwar and temple committee chairman K. Barthiban, the latter said the PM gave his assurance that the government was committed to an amicable resolution to the matter.

The issue, however, has attracted much attention because it involves a Hindu temple and a proposed mosque.

The owner is said to have bought the land and was aware of the existing temple, while the temple management reportedly claimed they were not informed that Jakel had bought the land from DBKL in 2014.

Previously, there have been disputes involving Hindu temples and housing developers, where police had to be called in.

While the case of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple has been resolved by the parties involved, it won’t be wrong to suggest that there will be similar cases in future, as there are many such unregistered temples.

It was reported in 2021 that there were 115 temples and shrines built illegally on government land in KL with eight sites granted occupation offers while 58 were asked to relocate urgently.

There is no exact official number of unregistered Hindu temples but one researcher, Elanjelian Venugopal, has been quoted as saying that a seven-year long study found that there were 3,200 temples in Malaysia, most of them unregistered.

Those without proper registration, he said, were built decades ago by plantation workers on estates “and they were not familiar with the need to register the temple’’.

The study from 2005 to 2012 was carried out with the cooperation of the Malaysian Hindu Sangam.

Temple committees and politicians are upset when these places are called illegal, preferring the more polite term unregistered.

But to private landowners, whoever sits on their land – whether they are temples or homes – are just squatters and illegals.

In all fairness, many of these temples have been in existence since the colonial days, when documents were not as important as they are now, and retrospective legal action would be difficult to explain or justify.

Many were established decades ago on land without formal documentation or approval.

Over time, as land ownership changed or development projects began, complications arose.

For local authorities, they have no choice as they need to refer to legal documents as a reference when disputes arise.

It has been reported that almost half of the temples identified through the survey did not have land ownership. If the land belongs to the government, whether state or federal, it would be easier for negotiation.

But if it is privately owned, as in the case of Jakel Trading, then negotiations become more complicated.

The only compromise would be to plead with the private landowners not to demolish the temple and to provide enough time for it to be relocated.

Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa must be commended for defusing a hot issue. She even stopped Jakel Trading from pursuing a legal case against the temple.

Even after finding a solution for the temple, she had to answer calls from firebrand preacher Firdaus Wong who demanded to know if the government had given the temple land for free plus RM2mil in compensation.

The government has no obligation to reveal to anyone the details of the agreement reached by the parties involved.

As in any dispute, efforts must be made to create a win-win situation where both parties come to an agreement and get something in return.

More importantly, a harmonious approach was taken and an agreement made and accepted.

In this case, we now see a Hindu temple, which is over a century old, co-existing near a modern mosque, which is living proof that places of worship from different faiths can stand next to each other.

It is common in Penang, such as along Jalan Kapitan Keling, formerly Pitt Street, which houses Chinese and Hindu temples, a big mosque, and a church. There is a similar case in Seberang Jaya on the mainland.

In fact, in Miri, Sarawak, when the Muslim faithful pray on Friday, they park their vehicles at the church next door.

At Jalan Kampung Melayu in Air Itam, Penang, where I live, there is a 16-storey block of flats which is predominantly occupied by Malays, and the many homes face a giant Goddess of Mercy statue at nearby Kek Lok Si temple.

Dr Zaliha is right to emphasise that the resolution in the case of Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple “cannot be made a precedent for any future cases” and that this solution “is a specific resolution to this particular issue… in accordance with the law, and with due consideration for the sensitivities of all parties involved”.

It is necessary now to set up a Hindu regulatory body to regularise and protect temples and oversee their management affairs.

It is commendable that the Unity Ministry met over 700 temple representatives last November to look into land and administrative issues.

It has been proposed that a committee be formed through the Hindu Sangam to carry out a thorough study on issues facing temples, and proposed solutions.

It is understood the Cabinet has agreed to the proposal.

Such a move will take away any perceived bias or allegations of racial and religious discrimination.

The reality is that Hindu temples do sit on TNB reserve land, on playgrounds, and on road reserves.

But we also need to address the broader challenges faced by minority religious communities regarding land rights and freedom of worship.

While Muslims and Buddhists make up the larger number of Malaysians, let’s not forget the rights of Hindus and Christians to worship and have proper places of worship, too, as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

Mosques, temples, and churches are not merely places of worship but also community centres, and a living reflection of our diversity.

Free at last: A Palestinian prisoner reuniting with his family after his release. Global human rights groups and the UN have pointed out that many of the Palestinian prisoners, including children and activists, have been detained by Israel for minor or political reasons. — Reuters

IT’S good that the government has been upfront and transparent in informing the country that Malaysia will accept 15 Palestinian prisoners of war as part of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Gaza.

Given the complexity and sensitivity of the matter, some countries would have wanted to keep such a move confidential and off the public radar.

But Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Hasan has, rightly, announced the decision made by Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations such as Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Pakistan in accepting some of the Palestinians.

Some of these prisoners have been detained by Israel without trial for over 20 years and will not be allowed to return to Palestine.

Several countries have been approached or have agreed to accept the prisoners released under recent ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas.

These agreements often stipulate that certain freed prisoners must be relocated abroad to mitigate security concerns.

It’s not just these prisoners, almost the entire population of Palestine has been driven out by Israel.

The Israelis have bombed Palestine to the ground, killed thousands, and want to move these people away from their homeland.

Palestinians walking beside the destroyed Abdul Aziz al-Khalidi mosque in Gaza. The Israelis have bombed Palestine to the ground, killing thousands. The Zionist state now wants to move these people away from their homeland. — AFP

Let’s be honest, there will be Malaysians who are apprehensive of these 15 Palestinian prisoners due to security concerns as well as misplaced prejudices and misinformation. They probably see these prisoners as “terrorists”.

From the Israeli perspective, Palestinians detainees are all “terrorists” involved in violent attacks or security-related offences, with some involved in groups like Hamas or Islamic Jihad, which Israel and the United States consider terrorist organisations.

Let’s not forget that the African National Congress led by the late Nelson Mandela was also once declared a terrorist organisation.

It has long been Israel’s practice to keep prisoners in jails without formal charges or trial. This is justified by the Zionist state as necessary to prevent imminent security threats.

From the Palestinian perspective as well that of the international community, these people are freedom fighters or simply people who are defending their rights to their homes and land, and to exist as a state.

Palestinians and human rights organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the United Nations have pointed out that many prisoners, including children, activists, and political figures, were imprisoned for minor or political reasons.

They include “offences” such as throwing stones at Israeli soldiers or settlers, with sentences reaching several months or even years.

Many have been arrested and jailed for Facebook posts that Israel interprets as incitement.

Under what is called “administrative detention”, thousands of Palestinians have been held without trial for months or years, based on classified evidence they or their lawyers cannot see.

In July 2024, the UN Human Rights Office published a report detailing concerns about the arbitrary and incommunicado detention of thousands of Palestinians by Israeli authorities since October 2023.

They included medical staff, patients, and residents fleeing conflict and denied access to legal representation, and subjected to ill-treatment, torture and sexual abuse.

The UN has also said Israel detains 500-700 Palestinian children annually for minor offences.

In July 2012, the UN Special Committee on Israeli Practices reported that mistreatment of these children often begins from the moment of arrest. More than 10 years later, the abuses haven’t changed. In fact, they have got worse.

Many of us have probably watched too many Hollywood movies where Palestinians are painted as the bad guys, the terrorists, as part of the Israeli’s narrative on the culture of fear.

The highly popular Israeli TV series Fauda on Netflix is one example of how convincing the narrative can be.

It is understood that the 15 prisoners to be brought to Malaysia are classified as those “creating fear among Israeli citizens’’ which is always sufficient to jail thousands of Palestinians.

The bottom line is this – there is little point in talking about supporting the Palestine cause without being committed to an international movement to bring about a ceasefire there.

Attempts to find a peaceful solution are fragile and as we can see, fighting has broken out again this week. Worse, Israel has staged one of the biggest attacks against the Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan.

My entire perspective of the Palestinians changed dramatically when I went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem two decades ago.

I saw with my own eyes how the Israelis openly bullied and abused ordinary Palestinians. Often, a simple 30-minute journey home can take hours, as they are stopped and checked, and made to stand under the scorching sun for no valid reasons.

It’s not just mosques that have been shelled but also churches, such as the 1,600-year-old Church of Saint Porphyrius, which was struck by an Israeli air strike on Oct 19, 2023, for sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians.

In 2023, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, formerly known as the Baptist Hospital, experienced multiple attacks, resulting in the deaths of nearly 500 Palestinians and injuries to over 300.

Fighting the cause of the Palestinians will become tougher from now as countries, and even ordinary people including students in the United States, have been punished for simply speaking up.

Student activists have suddenly become terrorists. Such simplistic classification simply depends on which side you are on.

From junior to senior politician: Syed Saddiq presenting Anwar with two pairs of baju Melayu in the Parliament’s lobby recently. — Screencapture from Syed Saddiq’s TikTok account

OVER the past two weeks, I have had the pleasure and honour of joining my Muslim contacts, friends, and family members for buka puasa almost every evening.

I look forward to these get togethers as they reflect how Malaysians of all races are able to take part in each other’s religious and cultural events.

I can vouch that many of our Muslim friends have gone to great lengths to ensure that non-Muslims are seated besides Muslims, and not isolated.

At some functions, I also listened to religious personalities talk about the meaning of Ramadan and its significance, giving reminders on positive values like forgiveness, patience and tolerance.

It reminded me of my time at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as a student when, like other non-Muslims, I had to attend a compulsory course on Islamic civilisation, which was on basic Islam and its history.

Most of us non-Muslim students had no problem with that as applicants were told beforehand that the Islamic course was not optional.

I had the experience of attending classes taught by distinguished scholars such as the late Datuk Dr Haron Din and Datuk Fadzil Noor.

At the recent iftar gatherings, political talk is often avoided, as is unproductive gossip.

But like it or not, as journalists, we always take the opportunity to catch up on current topics, especially with our VIP hosts. It must be tough on these hosts as we journalists never stop asking questions.

Without politics, the hottest topic now has to be the buzz surrounding the relationship between Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman and actress Bella Estillah.

As I am not a gossip or entertainment journalist, I find this topic a little bizarre. Surely there are more important issues to talk about – but it looks like there is no match!

In The Star’s Malay portal, mStar, stories about Syed Sadiq and Bella have garnered millions of views and likes.

Without a doubt, the former Youth and Sports minister has been widely recognised as a young, dynamic figure who has challenged traditional norms in Malaysian politics.

He is good-looking, youthful, eloquent, athletic, well-built and uses social media cleverly, which resonates well with the younger voters.

But his party, the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda), hasn’t been doing well ever since he left his leadership position following his conviction for corruption, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.

His political future is now uncertain, and his political allegiances are unclear. He is not supportive of the Madani government but he is not exactly endorsing the Opposition, Perikatan Nasional, either.

But as every politician or celebrity knows, it is important to be in the news, positive or otherwise, to stay relevant. And Syed Sadiq certainly is hot news.

Pardon my ignorance, but I have to confess that I had never heard of Bella until recently. It was only when attending a buka puasa with family members in Tawau that I found out that she is a Sabahan.

No wonder our Johor lawmaker has discovered the beauty of Sabah – the scenery and the people. He was reportedly busy handing out goodies in Semporna just about two hours from Tawau that day.

And my family members were engrossed with the story of the couple, a mixture of contemporary political and pop culture, all amplified through social media.

Every bit of these two personalities is being Googled and scrutinised. Politics and entertainment have never been a good mixture, except if you are in India where the two worlds merge and actors go on to become politicians.

Struggling for answers about this phenomena, I turned to ChatGPT and DeepSeek.

ChatGPT says that this is simply a “fresh blend of politics and pop culture” and that “Malaysia is witnessing a cultural shift where the younger generation is increasingly influential in shaping public discourse. This relationship is seen as emblematic of that change.’’

It described these “viral conversations’’ as a result of platforms like Twitter and Instagram, which have “turned their relationship into a trending topic, fuelling discussions about love, modernity, and the intersection of personal and public life”.

DeepSeek has a similar view, describing it as a “crossover of politics and entertainment” adding that “this blend of two different worlds tends to attract media coverage and public curiosity’’.

Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has twice ribbed Syed Saddiq over it. Once, he asked Syed Saddiq why he was not in baju Melayu when debating in Parliament, a cheeky reference to commercial photos of the Muar MP and Bella in Malay costumes.

He did it again when Syed Saddiq presented Anwar with two pairs of baju Melayu in Parliament’s lobby.

“Bella needs to be next to me, only then I can wear it,” Anwar quipped in front of the media. A blushing Syed Saddiq replied: “Don’t tease me like that. Give me a chance.’’

The banter continued as Anwar asked if the young politician had any plans to get married.

And it all started with Syed Saddiq saying he had to become a model to promote Hari Raya clothes to raise over RM1mil in donations for his constituency which, he claims, has been denied development funds.

YB Syed Saddiq, if you are reading this, do not forget to include me in the invitation list. I will wear your baju Melayu.

Holy festival: A Hindu devotee carrying a kavadi during Thaipusam at the Kallumal Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh. — Bernama

THE action against three Era FM radio hosts, who were featured in a TikTok video mocking a Hindu religious festival, has been swift.

The DJs – Nabil Ahmad, Azad Jasmin, and Radin Amir Effendi Ahmad Arunani – who had made fun of the Thaipusam kavadi dance while chanting “Vel Vel” have been suspended by their station.

With over 70 police reports against them, they have been hauled up by police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The MCMC has also issued a notice of intent to suspend Era FM’s licence with the licensee given 30 days to submit a response before a final decision is made.

This is probably the strongest move made against a radio station by MCMC, which governs digital and electronic platforms. The print media comes under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry.

Let’s hope that tempers will cool down now.

The DJs have also apologised profusely through social media and have gone to meet the Batu Caves Temple Committee.

I am sure they regret their childish antics, probably done without thinking about the repercussions.

Regretful: The Era FM deejays have also apologised profusely through social media and have gone to meet the Batu Caves Temple Committee. — Screencap from Sivakumar Nadraja’s Facebook page

To be suspended indefinitely as well as awaiting the decisions of the police and Attorney-General’s Office must surely be tormenting.

The key figure in the video is Azad @ Jazmin John Louis Jefri. He has admitted that he was wrong, and that he had hurt the Indian community, including his family members. He has reportedly told Kosmo! that he is of Indian descent.

It is hoped that the open apology, police investigation, suspension, and warning to the DJs’ employer will end this issue.

There is no point in suspending the licence of the radio operator over the silliness of three persons. A fine and a warning will be sufficient.

The three have taken responsibility for their actions. Any form of debate, challenges, and polemic now will be unproductive and unnecessary.

Kosmo! also quoted a lawyer claiming that, from his observation, it was not someone mimicking the kavadi dance but the entrance of a Muay Thai boxer into the ring.

The lawyer’s claim was hardly convincing. If anything, it insults the intelligence of Malaysians and he certainly doesn’t warrant space, whether in print or on a digital platform.

The issue, like most religious and political ones, has divided the nation.

While many angry Hindus want strong action against the three, others, including those in Muslim circles, claim the authorities have been slow in acting against those who insult Islam.

The thing is, many non-Muslims, unfortunately, also feel the same, claiming that the government is slow in acting against those who insult their religions.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, has reminded all parties not to exploit opportunities to incite negative racial sentiments and sow seeds of hatred.

The Prime Minister’s senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said Anwar was aware of malicious attempts by certain groups to create the perception of “double standards” in enforcement actions.

He pointed out that comedian Harith Iskander and social media user Cecelia Yap were each fined RM10,000 for uploading offensive content and comments that insulted Islam.

Tunku Nashrul also cited as another example the action against KK Mart and its supplier, who were fined RM60,000 each for the sale of socks with word “Allah” on them.

Managing race relations has always been difficult for the authorities. In the past, the fear of the Internal Security Act was enough to send fear to those who exploited the 3Rs – race, religion and royalty – issues.

The ISA, with its indefinite detention, was effective but was also horribly exploited by the government as even its critics were jailed. It became a political tool.

In the era of print, it was also easier to tame the media and some found their printing permits revoked. The world of the Internet and social media has made things different, and much more difficult.

The authorities certainly must act against religious and political figures, regardless of their faiths, for any hurtful comments made against other religions or communities. Some are said to be “serial critics”.

There is no reason and justification for anyone to put down other religions. It is as if they need to prove to their peers or congregations that they are more religious or more ethical, especially if they are converts.

These personalities wouldn’t be allowed any space in mainstream newspapers previously, but social media has given them an open platform.

Comments from online users on some platforms are also racially disturbing and the comments do not seem to be moderated. The owners of these platforms do not know – or do not seem to care – that they are legally responsible.

In 2021, news portal Malaysiakini was fined RM500,000 over some readers’ comments.

The Federal Court ruled that Malaysiakini’s operator, Mkini Dot Com Sdn Bhd, was liable over its facilitation of five readers’ remarks against the judiciary on its website.

Many religious and political personalities have grown more influential, as hate content always garners more clicks. It’s an online strategy that works.

This has been proven via algorithm research, and the growth of right-wing politics in the West.

“YouTubers who were particularly intent on gaining attention noticed that when they posted an outrageous video full of lies, the algorithm rewarded them by recommending the video to numerous users and increasing the YouTubers’ popularity and income,” wrote award winning author Yuval Noah Harari in his bestseller Nexus (2024).

“In contrast, when they dialed down the outrage and struck to the truth, the algorithm tended to ignore them.”

Some hardliners are said to have their own news portals to give a religious or racial angle to Malaysian politics, which, unfortunately, heightens the political temperature, usually with the Madani government as their target.

These hardliners can reach out to a larger audience as they are able to direct their narrative via their portals.

To put it bluntly, they don’t need the media. They get larger audiences than all the mainstream media.

Then there are some new news portals run by people with no editorial background or training, or possibly no understanding of legal implications. They too have contributed to raising the racial temperature.

The authorities will be sending a wrong message to Malaysians if these people are seen to be untouchables or even tolerated, despite their seemingly serial offences.

In the case of the three DJs at least, they should just be regarded as ignorant and foolish personalities, without any political ill will or negative religious intentions.

They surely have learnt their lesson, and we should move on, but the authorities should now move in on the serial recalcitrants.

We must not allow trivial matters to undermine our strength and uniqueness at a time when Malaysia is growing and on a promising trajectory, as Tunku Nashrul put it. Well said.