Issues such as secularism and ethnic interests must never be raised in the run-up to the state elections.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said at the International Malaysia Law Conference 2023 answering a question from Bar Council constitutional law committee co-chairman Andrew Khoo that Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic state.

We have checked Article 11 of the Federal Constitution which states that every person has the right to profess and practice his religion.

And since the Constitution provides for religious freedom, it therefore encompasses the element of secularism. However, as secularism is about total separation between state and religion, this is impossible in Malaysia, and as such, Malaysia cannot be a total “secular state.”

At the same time, Malaysia is not a “theocratic state” which makes it compulsory for all non-Muslims in the country to embrace and accept Islam.

Consequently, Anwar’s assertion that Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic state is factually correct and non-offensive to any party.

The PM said there would be a lot of problems if Malaysia is declared a secular state, including the status of Islam and the federal official religion, Islamic religious departments and the status of Malay Rulers as religious leaders of their respective states. All these could become controversial.

As such, he said we must “make sure the term is understood and learned by the masses, otherwise there is a disconnect between the narrative and discourse brought by the ruling elite and the sentiments of the masses.

“The general Muslim masses take secularism as something anti-religion. That’s why when I said we are not secular, I am referring to that context.”

Yes, this is the clear and present reality of this country, and the PM was not trying to please anyone by making the assertion.

Now that Anwar is in charge, we don’t have to worry that in the event PN takes over the federal administration and PAS is holding the reins of power in the cabinet, whether this will mark the start of Malaysia’s racist and theocratic politics.

Up till this point, for the sake of the upcoming state elections, PAS has never openly denied that Malaysia is a “multiracial country.”

However, if the PN continues to rule, there is no guarantee that it will not slowly introduce Islamic laws in the country. We can get a hint of this possibility from some of the states now helmed by PAS.

Tun Mahathir, the old man who has just celebrated his 98th birthday, said he hoped he would remain useful until the last day of his life.

Even though he no longer commands much influence today, what he said easily sends chill down the spine of many Malaysians, as some of his remarks may be abused and distorted by irresponsible quarters some day after he leaves this world.

Indeed, Mahathir may not have too many days before him; that’s why he dares say things that not many people (or political parties) dare say… things like “Malaysia belongs to the Malays,” “Malay Proclamation,” “no multiculturalism,” “Chinese robbing Malay properties,” etc.

As these are all highly sensitive issues that will readily spark intercommunity confrontation, those involved in the elections should avoid such issues at all costs for the time being, other than the old man who will exploit his last bit of value to make sure he is not forgotten.

As politicians are also public figures, they must watch their every move and speech. Racial and religious issues must never be manipulated as “election strategies” or “election tools” for the simple reason the crack which ensues is for sure hard to mend.

Malaysia is a multiracial country that practices religious freedom. Racial and religious issues must not be exploited as an election tool.

The value of democratic politics lies with the ballot paper in the hands of each citizen, but sadly we are swaying further and further from this aspiration.

It appears to us that the opposition’s raison d’être has detoured from being a government watchdog to being constantly obsessed with the notion of toppling the government of the day.

We would like to explicitly state our position once again that issues like secularism and ethnic interests must not be raised in the run-up to the state elections.

It is our hope that parties on both sides of the divide will work hand-in-hand to battle corruption, grow our economy, stem the spiraling inflation, improve the people’s quality of living and increase their incomes, as these are the only things the rakyat are expecting from you.