MALAYSIANS have always aspired for choice over adherence.
You can choose to open a halal or non-halal restaurant. You can choose to send your kids to a sekolah kebangsaan, a Chinese-speaking or Tamil-speaking school.
This is a normality in Malaysia that we often take for granted, one that may even be criticised as Malaysia grows.
But with choice comes the responsibility to be tolerant, and the need for us to understand that certain cultures or religions in Malaysia have their particular requirements.
With the acceptance of diversity for choice, we need to be comfortable with the fact that we are all not going to be the same, and that’s okay.
I think we will achieve a higher level of understanding when we recognise that there are certain Muslims who prefer Muslim-only launderettes as part of their way of life.
All in all, I hope Malaysians’ overall concern against discrimination can translate into something more positive.
Contrary to what’s mostly being said right now, I would much rather support discrimination laws in the form of rewarding companies and organisations that promote diversity instead of punishing those who don’t.
The fact that so many Malaysians shared their opinions on the issue, whether in support or against, is a good sign for the progressiveness of our democracy.
Khairul Azwan Harun, Umno Youth vice-chief