United, we Malaysians stand to reject violence, hatred, exclusion and fear — Writers' Alliance for Media Independence

MAY 13 — We, the undersigned groups and individuals, remember solemnly the pain of all those who suffered in the May 13 riot 45 years ago, deceased or living, pray for the full healing of the nation from this greatest tragedy in her 51 years, and vow to reject violence, hatred, exclusion and fear from our public life.

We hold that

1. Malaysia, as formed in 1963 with Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and then Singapore coming together, is meant to be a nation of peace, love, inclusion and freedom, and not one dominated by violence, hatred, exclusion and fear.

2. Malaysia as a nation of diverse ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural heritage is a blessing to all, not a curse or a historical error. The diversity enriches us and allows us to learn from each other and to be more competitive globally, through better understanding of and connection with major civilisations in the world.

3. The civil and inclusive nature of the Federation of Malaysia, as promised by the 1963 Malaysia Agreement must be upheld and enhanced, and not ignored or undermined. All important issues such as the change of criminal justice system must be decided in an inclusive and consensual manner, rather than by majoritarian voting which may tear the federation and nation apart.

4. Malaysia’s future lies solely in multiparty democracy, defined by free and fair elections; protection of civil and political liberties; advancement of economic, social and cultural rights; rule of law; respect for the rights of the constituent states; and not by any form or strand of authoritarianism. Whatever our differences, violence, hatred, exclusion and fear cannot and must not be used by anyone, state or non-state actors alike, to pursue their agenda.

We pledge to defend peace, love, inclusion and freedom in Malaysia on the 45th anniversary of the post-election riot of May 13, the worst incidence of political violence in Malaysia’s 51 years of existence. We call on all political parties and politicians to openly declare that they will serve the nation on behalf of all Malaysians, irrespective of ethnicity, belief, gender and any other social standing and group membership. 

May the deceased rest in peace, and the living stand firm to protect our blessings.

*This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.