Whether in politics, religion, race relations, or social issues, honesty across the board is the foundation of unity. It means being just, fair, and balanced, regardless of whose side we’re on. It calls us to rise above tribal loyalty and partisan rhetoric, and to stand by what is right—even when it is uncomfortable.
To be honest on both sides is to be consistent. It is to judge ourselves by the same standards we use on others. We don’t pick and choose the truth based on convenience or colour. We don’t pretend to be moral while bending the truth to serve our side. We speak the truth, seek it, and stand for it—especially when it is inconvenient.
This principle is deeply rooted in every major faith tradition practiced in Malaysia.
In the Qur’an, God commands justice even when it goes against our own interests:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives…”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:135)
Similarly, in the Bible, we are told:
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
(John 7:24)
And also,
“Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own?”
(Matthew 7:3)
The Buddhist Dhammapada teaches:
“The fault of others is easily seen; one’s own fault is difficult to see.”
(Dhammapada, Verse 252)
And from the Bhagavad Gita in Hinduism:
“Perform your duty with an even mind, abandoning all attachment to success or failure. Such evenness of mind is called yoga.”
(Bhagavad Gita 2:48)
These teachings echo the same wisdom: honesty, self-reflection, and fairness are core to spiritual growth and social harmony.
So, who then are the hypocrites?
Hypocrites are those who pretend to live by high principles but bend them when it benefits their side. They are harsh in judging others, yet lenient with themselves. They twist narratives to win debates, not to 9 are threatened by accountability and angered by honest feedback. In public, they preach morality; in private, they practice double standards.
In the Qur’an, hypocrisy is condemned in strong terms:
“Do you order righteousness to the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason?”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:44)
How, then, do we avoid being hypocrites and instead become people who are honest on both sides?
Start with ikhlas—sincerity. Let justice and truth be your guiding lights. Make it a habit to consider both sides of any argument before forming a conclusion. Better still, look for a third way—an inclusive solution that benefits all. Be harder on yourself before you are hard on others. Let your actions reflect your principles. If you preach unity, practice empathy. If you stand for justice, live it at home, at work, and in public life.
Practice moderation. In Islam, the Prophet ﷺ was sent as a bringer of balance:
“And thus We have made you a just community (ummatan wasatan)...”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:143)
Malaysia needs more wasatiyyah—the middle path. We need leaders and citizens alike who are brave enough to be fair to both friend and foe. We need to reward truth, not tribalism.
Let us remind ourselves: when we are honest on both sides, we are not weak—we are principled. We are not fence-sitters—we are bridge-builders. We are not neutral—we are fair.
And in doing so, we honour the spirit of all our traditions, and we help build a more united Malaysia.
Let us be honest on both sides, and never be hypocrites.
Let us be the bridge Malaysia needs.
— Anas Zubedy
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