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Clash of Civilisations in Malaysia?
(This article was previously published in my column known as “Vox Populi”, in Suara PRM, circa November 2001.)

One thing that really irks me is to admit that someone else is right; especially when that person’s argument or thesis is obviously based on spurrious grounds, tainted by a hidden agenda, or simply dangerous for society at large.

What really bothers me at the moment is the seeming crystallization of Samuel P. Huntington’s thesis – the clash of civilizations. Some years ago, Huntington wrote an article questioning the shape of the new world order after the Cold War – The Clash of Civilizations? The follow-up was published as a book, with a similar title, in 1996.

The publication of both were events that stirred both the intellectual and political world. Naturally, there were (at least) two reactions: endorsement and denouncement. Although most “ordinary folks” were apathethic or oblivious to the raging debate, it was the plat du jour insofar as social commentators and political pundits were concerned.

Basically, the question that everyone was striving to answer was whether the new world order (after the Cold War) will be one characterised by the conflict between civilizations – especially Western, Islamic and Eastern – or something quite different.

The “clash of civilizations” have been brought to the fore in Malaysia by some political parties out to gain a few points amongst the electorate. Although we have faced communal politics all these years, the wedge between the communities in Malaysia have never been as huge as it is today.

I am not saying that there is great unrest or deep anger percolating in Malaysia. Indeed, it would be extremely irresponsible for me to suggest that. However, what I am saying is that there are many politicians out there who are playing a dangerous and reckless game – resorting to civilizational constructs that will strike raw primal nerves.

Apart from Malaysia’s rich natural resources, we must recognise it has inherited most of the world’s greatest civilizations – Islamic, Sinic, Hindu and Western. Ordinarily, the rich mix of cultures and values – together with the natural wealth of the country – could, and should, lead to the best of all worlds in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, our history was scarred by colonial exploitation and tainted by communal politics. Accordingly, the people’s sense of identity and security is moulded by a skewed sense of history, not to mention a distorted perception of reality.

Consequently, many, if not most, Malaysians tend to see their relationship with each other through mental and emotional lenses. The various colours are ethnic, religious and cultural. If we pause for a moment to observe our surroundings and our daily routines, we will see that our interaction with people from ‘other’ ethnic, religious or cultural backgrounds is quite superficial.

Indeed, the very social structure of Malaysia reflects a limited contact or connection between the various communities. In ordinary times, though this is a sad state of affairs, it does not signify a critical problem.

Generally, we could say that this means that the country have yet to turn itself into a nation. However, when I ponder the fact that the nation state known as Malaysia has existed independently for more than 44 years, it does make me wonder where the government – or we, the people – have gone wrong.

This question is especially poignant in light of the fact that Malaysia has real potential – as opposed to rhetorical – to become a great nation. Whatever we may say about the government or its people, we must admit that Malaysia is blessed with several things: an abundance of natural resources; a relatively idyllic geographical location; and a colourful mix of cultures.

With all this, Malaysia could produce an excellent national ‘blend’; one that is based on real ingredients, and not artificial additives like slogans and songs.

***

With the escalation of the war in the international arena, the state of affairs in Malaysia has taken a rather interesting turn. Indeed, even before America launched its first attack on Afghanistan, things have turned pretty ugly in Malaysia.

The events may not appear related, but when put together, they certainly call for some form of reflection, if not immediate action.

For a start, there was the whole issue about Suqiu, which showed the whole country what Umno and BN really stands for – the supremacy of one race.

That was followed by the introduction of the Vision School concept, which met with boisterous objections, especially from the Chinese community.

The tension about this and the Suqiu matter, which was already palpable by that time, was further heightened by Mahathir when he made some scathing remarks against the Chinese community during the Lunas by-election.

Then there was the closure of SJK(C) Damansara. Although the speculated reason for the school’s closure was related to land values and political deals, the matter soon became politicised and focus turned to Chinese education again.

In the midst of all this, especially after BN’s humiliating loss in Lunas, Mahathir, through his lackeys, tried to regain lost ground by calling for Malay unity talks with Pas and Keadilan.

Although only Pas agreed to talk, the whole thing somehow got stalled when other events overtook the preliminary ‘negotiations’ between Umno and Pas. Perhaps the racial strife in Kampung Medan made it too sensitive for the Malay unity talks to continue.

In any case, the clashes between the Malay and Indian communities in Kampung Medan was quite shocking to most Malaysians, especially the brutality of the attacks and the speed in which it escalated and spread to other areas.

This series of events culminated in the extensive – but not necessarily constructive – debate about Islamic State, which not only showcased the competition between Umno and Pas, but also the conflict between Pas and DAP.

Now, as I mentioned above, these events, viewed on their own do not signify very much. However, when we line them up, and consider the emotional impact they have on people, it cannot be denied that this phenomena warrants careful consideration.

***

To be honest, I do not believe that there is a clash of civilizations in Malaysia. Whatever we may say about the BN government or their divisive policies, I think most Malaysians have come a long way since 1957. Indeed, I don’t think Huntington’s thesis holds much water.

However, in the above instances, we can see that in one short year the various communities of Malaysia have actually fractured into various groups, approximately along racial, religious and cultural lines.

In this sense, the various communities approximate the civilizations that have co-existed in Malaysia. The fact that there are different civilizations co-existing in one nation state is not necessarily a problem. On the contrary, this could be a boon – we could draw the best from each civilization to forge a true Malaysian nation.

Unfortunately, there are two major obstacles in our path. First, there are still a great number of people – in every community – that clings on to their ethnic, religious and/or cultural identity as if it were dear life itself.

Although this is a natural impulse in most of us, it does not necessarily make sense for us to divide ourselves along these real but arbitrary lines. Our lives extend beyond our respective communities. Indeed, at times our lives depend on the generosity or cooperation of those beyond our communities.

In any case, we have to admit that the primal instinct to stick to your own and defend the interests of your clan is natural. More importantly, we should recognise that such a mindset is merely a stage in each and every human person’s mental and emotional development.

Thus, all of us should be working towards an environment that is conducive to the achievement of a truly Malaysian nation; i.e. one where every Malaysian identifies with being Malaysian, and not merely Malay, Chinese, Indian, religious or secular.

The second obstacle, I believe, is harder to overcome. Unlike the first obstacle, the second one is contrived and fortified by a community that is cunning and ruthless – the politically bankrupt community.

This group of people, to ensure that their personal interests are served, are willing to put wedges in society and intentionally cause the fragmentation of a peaceful and harmonious nation.

This trick – divide and rule – have been perfected by our colonial masters long before politicians of the local variety were even born. Indeed, the British and other imperialist nations developed it into the art of governance.

However, it seems to me that this art is now not only used by conniving governments, but also by certain ruthless opposition politicians who fear the loss of their so-called traditional constituencies.

Thus, politicians who choose to put their personal or party interests above the society’s will always treat Malaysians as either Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan or Dayak, and Muslim or non-Muslim. Any mention of national unity, is more often than not merely lip service.

***

Right up until recently, the opposition managed to hold its ground despite the media onslaught. However, the first chink in the opposition’s armour appeared when the Islamic state debate began.

Thus, the war of words between DAP and Pas began. This issue – admittedly a genuine cause for concern – calls for level-headed dialogue between all parties, and I don’t mean just political parties.

For such a complex and critical matter, we need the best minds of the country sitting together to discuss the way forward from this impasse. Unfortunately, a few politicians thought they knew better, and decided to do things their own way – without regard for the real needs and concerns of the people.

In the end, the acrimonious debate started by Umno resulted in the withdrawal of DAP from BA. Whether this is a good thing or not, I leave it to the politicians who think they know better.

For me, I am more concerned about what is going happen on the ground. I am afraid that the hype and propaganda generated by politicians are going to pit communities against each other, thus paving the way for more divide-and-rule politics.

Although we have faced this kind of politics before, this time round it’s a little different. The world is perceived to be on the brink of World War III, and this time it’s not based on ideologies but civilizations.

Can we imagine what Malaysia would look like if war really broke out and spread to our shores? Who would the Malays be fighting for? What about the Chinese and the Indians? And how about the English-educated secular-minded Malaysians?

These questions may seem quite remote to us. However, please do not take them lightly. We all know what desperate and ruthless politicians are capable of, and we should all remember who loses out when we let them rule.

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