One of the most interesting games the Malay MPs play is the “if only” game. This game should not be confused with the community’s mistaken assumption that the government’s decision is rational and they will recognise the hijab “if only” they know it is important and beneficial. No, the Malay MPs’ game is based on the failure to achieve change. This is how the game goes: 1. Largely ignore a discrimination the community faces 2. When a community member (or the community itself) raise it, 3. Claim the government was just about to accede to the Malay MP’s tireless request to have it overturned 4. But because it has now been raised publicly, the government will prolong the discrimination 5. If only we had kept quiet. The hijab issue is a case in point. Last week I was told that the government was about to agree to the hijab in 2003. But someone sent his daughter to school with the hijab and the government decided to reject it. If only they had not done so. Malay MPs had also said repeatedly over the years that the government was about to allow it in 2002 but the 4 girls wore hijab to school. The government then changed their minds. If only we had not raised it. A few days ago, a sister informed me that she was told the same thing in 2000. She raised the issue of integration and hijab at a conference. She was then told by the Malay MPs that they were about to allow the hijab but her raising it in public had made it impossible. If only she had kept quiet. Over the years, there had been so many “If only”. It always refers to if only we had not brought an issue up. If only we had been compliant. If only we had kept our mouth shut. The Malay MPs claim that they were working behind the scenes and our effort spoiled it for them. If only we had left it to them. It had been 10 years since the case in 2003. No progress had been made in 10 years. The MPs seem to have ignored the issue again. They only started to show interest and response after we raised it. And now we hear again the old rumblings. The government cannot allow the hijab now because they are under pressure. If only we had kept quiet. If only we had real leaders. Then maybe we will not be in this situation. If only.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 06:44:35 +0000
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