We are once again caught in a familiar debate. On one side, leaders and groups speak of cultural sensitivity, protecting Islam, and staying true to Malay values. On the other, we hear arguments regarding tourism, economics, and the necessity of keeping Malaysia open and competitive.
All of this
over a water festival.
Personally,
I see this as just another distraction. Politicians from both sides seek to
occupy our minds so we might forget what they are truly guilty of: hypocrisy
and lying.
Let us be
clear. Cultural sensitivity matters. Respecting Islam matters. Respecting the
values and traditions of this country matters. These are not small things, and
they should never be dismissed lightly. But we must also ask a more critical
question: WHAT IS TRULY MORE DANGEROUS TO OUR NATION?
Is it a
public event that may or may not align perfectly with our cultural
expectations? Or is it the quiet normalization of hypocrisy and lying within
our systems, our institutions, and our leadership?
We speak
loudly about what is appropriate in public spaces, yet we are often far less
vocal about dishonesty, corruption, and the misuse of power. We debate what is
visible, but tolerate what is far more damaging beneath the surface. It is
right to be culturally sensitive and right to pursue economic growth. However,
we must be careful not to focus our sensitivity only on what is "political
fuel"—the issues that rouse the voter base - while neglecting the moral
integrity that truly shapes the strength and future of this country.
Let us be
sensitive to hypocrisy. Let us be sensitive to lying. Let us be sensitive to
the everyday struggles of Malaysians who deserve honesty, fairness, and
dignity. And to those who heroically defend the merits of the water festival:
be even louder in standing against hypocrisy first.
These
moral failings are far more dangerous than any festival or any economic benefit
lost by its cancellation.
Regarding
Islamic values, the Qur’an is firm. It speaks of the munafiqun with a severity that should make us pause.
While disbelief is clear and visible, hypocrisy is more dangerous because it
hides behind the appearance of righteousness while undermining the truth from
within.
The Qur’an
warns:
“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the
lowest depths of the Fire — and never will you find for them a helper.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:145)
And again:
“O you who have believed, why do you say
what you do not do? Great is hatred in the sight of Allah that you say what you
do not do.” (Surah As-Saff, 61:2–3)
This is
not a peripheral issue; it is a foundational one. If we truly want to be
culturally sensitive, and if we truly want this country to live up to Qur’anic
values, then integrity must come first.
No to hypocrisy. No to lying.
Peace,
Anas Zubedy
Kuala Lumpur
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