I fully agree with the views of Michael G. Singho who made his comments on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's revelation and concern over the signs of polarisation of Muslims and non-Muslims: "Need to respect each other's beliefs" (NST June 9).

Even between Muslims who belong to different political organisations there is an unhealthy trend to further widen their differences and to create feelings of animosity between the two groups.

The "hollier-than-thou" attitude of the so-called religious political party is actively sowing the seeds of suspicion, distrust and hatred towards our PM.

They feel so righteous and think that they are the only ones who are "on the right path".  If we have religious people who sanction the use of vulgar words and endorse Shit as good, just to further their political ambitions - then we know that religion is being used in the furtherance of their personal agenda: power and greed.  The sanctity of religion and all the good it stands for is not their concern.

I myself feel very alienated when I hear them speak at political rallies - nothing concrete to offer but relish in sowing hatred and suspicion towards our PM and what he stands for.  I feel dismayed and disgusted by their histrionics.

Yes, they can fool some of the people all of the time (the gullible) and all of the people some of the time (the malcontents); but they cannot fool all of the people all the time (the sane, rational, silent majority).

The silent majority must show their contempt and disgust for these hate-mongers.  We can see through their dirty tactics.  These unscrupulous people are exploiting religion and sowing the seeds of hate.  Because of their personal and political ambitions they don't really care about the havoc and turmoil that they may cause.

Lambasting the weaknesses of the establishment is easy but to provoke the feelings of those who are frustrated can be a two-edged sword.

In matters of religion, I appreciate the "Thought For Today" which appeared in the NST on April 19 which says: "We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another" - Jonathan Swift, English satirist (1667-1745).

How relevant that statement is today.  But there is one redeeming feature though.  If we have more sane people like Singho who voiced his concern, then the silent majority will not allow these fanatics their mischief.  Let sanity prevail.

The call by Education Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak that "varsities must ensure more Muslims, non-Muslims share hostel rooms" must be lauded and is a step in the right direction.  It is this awareness of the danger signals and in the implementation of prompt corrective measures that make for the betterment of society.
 

Mohd Yusoff, Shah Alam