Book launch and forum on Non-Sectarian Politics

Yesterday, I attended my first ever book launch. I know, I know, a little bit late in life to be experiencing something as 'simple' as a book launch but truth be told, I had always been interested in sporting and 'other' events as opposed to 'intellectual' and cultural matters.

So why did I choose to go to this one?

The title 'Non-Sectarian Politics in Malaysia : The Case of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia' had a lot to do with it. Let me explain.

Prior to 8 March I had believed that a multi-racial country like Malaysia had to be governed by a multi-racial government like the BN (a system I've only known all my life). On 9 March, I awoke to find myself so off-tangent with large numbers of fellow Malaysians from all ethnicity. It was only then that I realized multi-racialism as currently practiced is not a truly fair and just system for ALL Malaysians. Stupid me.

The months that followed this realization has left me feeling tremendous guilt for not realizing earlier what my fellow Malaysians had already known, partly due to ignorance but mostly due to complacency and the indifferent attitude I had.

It is from this guilt that I now explore the possibilities of non-sectarian politics in Malaysia and how I can contribute to its growth. In short to make amends for my past 'sins' of naivety and 'tidak apa' atiitude.

I won't go into the details of the discussions at the book launch and forum as they are ably covered by VeonStead and anilnetto.com in their respective blogs.

Instead I would like to mention a point raised by a member of the floor which I found poignant given the current political scenario.

I can't remember the actual wordings but basically it said;

"The present political system (in the country) creates conflicts"

I interpret this to mean that political entities (BN or PR coalitions) made up of parties with different sectarian objectives will inherently have conflicts.

BN with its 3 major parties each seeking to protect and promote the respective race they represent. PR with PAS and its religious objectives and in direct contrast, DAP with its non-secular aims.

I think as a society and as humankind, we are pretty much fed-up with all the conflicts going on around in the world, what more the conflict of politics in our home country.

I know its a little late but I've come to the realization that politics as practiced today will divide us further so why not give non-sectarian politics a chance, since non-sectarian literally means 'non-existence or the lack of sectarianism (sects)'.

We can still enjoy and celebrate our diversity but as ONE MALAYSIAN PEOPLES.