Najib Visit to Batu Caves - Renewal of a Tradition neglected by Dr. M

I refer to the Malaysikini report Najib to make historic visit to Batu Caves.

The topic of the day that is creating positive waves among the Indian Malaysian community is the Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's imminent visit to Batu Caves on the eve of Thaipusam later today which is an auspicious occasion for the Hindu community worldwide. This is where the heartbeat of the Malaysian Hindu community can be adequately captured.

In the year 1970, that is exactly four decades ago, when political upheavals were rife, the current premier's father Abdul Razak took the effort to be with the Hindu community to model and mould this culture of acceptance and understanding.

It was acclaimed and applauded even then. But for no apparent reason after Hussein Onn's visit in 1979, this practice was discontinued. But now precisely after 31 years, Najib Razak has decided to show the community in no uncertain terms that he is with them.

This gesticulation of the premier to be there at this propitious ceremony is to be commended and to be emulated by leaders at all levels. It is a timely gesture, especially at this time in Malaysian history when religious and racial insensitivities and intolerance are ubiquitous.

It goes a long way to show that the PM cares about what happens to the Indian community. It is extremely symbolic in promoting mutual religious appreciation and understanding. On the same note, it allays the fears and apprehensions of the younger generation and imbues new hope and faith.

But one man alone cannot make the difference. The effort of this leader has to be emulated by all the other leaders without the distinction of rank and file, race and religion and should be made a unique Malaysian way of life.

It should become a regular and unalterable feature of our life in a pluralist society and not a once in two or three decades kind of political activity when the political pressures are mounting high.

In this, Malaysians can become and should become trendsetters in making this harmonious multi- racial living a reality in every day life and in all rungs of the society.