But, I can't help harbouring some doubt over the sincerity of this statement, as I belong to a significant number of Malaysians well into their 60's, and who still remember in the 80's you were waving a keris in the heavy rain, expounding the racist vitriolic that you have now so strongly come out against.
It would be a massive elevation in your leadership status, if you can come out and admit that it was not correct for you to have demonstrated thus, and apologise to the citizens for the act. Such a big step will exorcise from the minds of the public that the leadership is not sincere in their statements and beliefs, and will immediately endear yourself to the doubting citizens. We need to see that a great leader should also be humble, and is human too, able to make mistakes, and to ask for forgiveness. The nation needs such a catharsis
In ending, I would like to quote from another column in today's Star by Zainah Anwar, "Same actors same old script" in which she wrote, ..." Second, Varshney finds that whether violence or peace prevails depends on the role politicians play in polarising citizens along ethnic lines. Politicians who seek to polarise Hindus and Muslims for the sake of electoral advantage can tear at the fabric of everyday engagement among citizens. He finds that conflict erupts into violence when organised gangs are not just involved, but are also protected by politicians, thus escaping prosecution under the law for their criminal actions.
She has concluded that politicians, along with the sensation seeking media, propped up by the inherent distrust among societies, is the main cause for racial and religious strife. It will take a statesman of extraordinary stature to protect our nation.
Are you up to it?
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