In the recent firebombing incident at a KK Mart in Kuching, our community has been shaken by an act of violence that attempts to sow friction, disenchantment, and division.
It is disheartening to witness such events unfold in our backyard, prompting a collective sense of shock and disbelief.
Amidst the confusion, anger, and disbelief, many individuals have felt compelled to express their thoughts. However, instead of pointing fingers prematurely, we must exercise caution.
While it is true that extremism is a growing concern, we should not hastily assign blame to anyone.
Unfortunately, some misinformed politicians have seized this opportunity to claim that the unity among Sarawakians is fragile, suggesting that the foundation upon which Sarawak thrives is merely superficial.
Such statements are untrue and unacceptable. We must not equate the state of our union — the people of Sarawak — with the unfortunate events unfolding in Malaya.
It appears that the firebombing was intended from the very beginning to create friction within our community.
Certain politicians and political parties seem to be using the incident as a means to gain political mileage, catering to their select crowds and making statements to further their agendas.
As of now, the police have yet to make any arrests. Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata has confirmed that the case remains under investigation without any arrests being made.
Local leaders have called for swift action, condemning the attack as unprecedented in Sarawak.
Indeed, our streets have never before witnessed such acts of terror, where incendiary weapons are used to express boycotts or sheer hatred towards individuals, companies, or business premises.
Resorting to extremism to convey one’s message goes against our culture, both in the past and present.
If this firebombing incident is indeed a result of the boycott campaign led by UMNO Youth, they should be held accountable for their initiation. To say that the situation has spiralled out of control would be an understatement.
Although Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh has distanced himself from the firebombing, asserting that UMNO Youth merely called for a boycott and condemned terrorism, it is crucial for UMNO as a party to acknowledge that the situation has gone beyond their control. They must reprimand their Youth leader and those who initiated the campaign.
Moreover, the federal government, particularly the prime minister, must not dismiss the underlying reasons behind the traction gained by the campaign. This is the moment for him to take a firm stand and present his case.
The government’s reluctance to address the issue directly has proven to be its Achilles’ heel.
Furthermore, relevant ministries such as the National Unity Ministry and the Religious Affairs Ministry must collaborate to alleviate public discontent.
Engaging with various stakeholders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is essential in explaining the government’s position and seeking a compromise to resolve the issue.
Above all, the severity of this firebombing incident serves as a wake-up call for all of us. Let us not succumb to overreaction or be baited into further escalation. We must respect the sensitivities of different communities in our nation.
Sarawak has long been a model state for unity and mutual respect, and it should not be used as a testing ground for racial and religious polarisation.
We must not allow fears to dictate our actions. Instead, let us foster unity, responsible leadership, and a commitment to maintaining harmonious relations among all Malaysians.
In our community, witnessing acts of violence and division is truly disheartening. It tears at the fabric of our society and hampers our progress.
However, in such challenging times, we must stand together as a united front against these actions. By fostering unity and understanding, we can create a stronger and more inclusive community.
While it is natural to feel anger and frustration in the face of such events, assigning blame prematurely only adds to the confusion and hinders the resolution of the issue at hand.
We must exercise patience and allow the investigation to unfold, uncovering the truth behind the incident. Rushing to judgment without all the facts can lead to further division and injustice.
Unfortunately, some politicians may attempt to exploit the situation for personal gain. Instead of focusing on finding real solutions, they may seek to further their political agendas.
As a community, we must be vigilant and condemn any such attempts. By directing our energy towards productive dialogue and cooperative efforts, we can work towards addressing the root causes of violence and division.
The lack of arrests in the case can be frustrating, but it also underscores the need for a swift and thorough investigation. We must trust in the authorities to conduct their work diligently and bring those responsible to justice.
The investigation must be conducted without bias, ensuring that all evidence is examined thoroughly and all leads are pursued. By allowing the legal process to unfold, we can have confidence that justice will be served.
In times of discontent and frustration, resorting to extremism and violence as a means to convey a message is never justified. It only perpetuates a cycle of harm and animosity.
Instead, we must find peaceful ways to address our concerns and grievances. Engaging in open and respectful dialogue, organising peaceful protests, and working towards constructive change are more effective ways to bring about the transformation we seek in our community.
By emphasising unity, understanding, patience, and non-violence, we can create an environment where all members of our community feel safe, valued, and heard.
It is through collective effort and a commitment to positive change that we can overcome division and build a stronger, more harmonious society for everyone.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
