The Right Way To React To Provocation

by | May 15, 2014 | Misc

In Malaysia, provocation is unavoidable. Especially with the existence of racial & religious extremists groups. It seems as if every word from their mouth is aimed to provoke a backlash from those offended. Thankfully we have a few good examples of individuals & organisations that have rightly reacted to provocation

In 2009, the Selangor government wanted to relocate a Hindu temple from Shah Alam to Section 23. The protest was held in front of the Selangor state government headquarters at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Building, Shah Alam and the protesters desecrated a cow’s head . In case you didn’t know, cows are sacred to Hindus

The Hindu Rights Action Force (HINDRAF) reacted by organising a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka

In 2010, churches and mosques were attacked in disapproval of the court decision that government regulations prohibiting non-muslim publications from using the word “Allah” was unconstitutional

Muslim NGOs patrolled the church areas in the Klang Valley in response to the attacks

“Parish Priest of Assumption church, PJ, Rev Father Philip Muthu urged the congregation to remain calm and pray for peace and harmony to prevail on Malaysians of all faiths.” Churches were burnt down yet Christians did not retaliate to the provocation

In January 2014, the Church of Assumption at Lebuh Farquhuar, Penang became the target of two molotov cocktails. “Christian leaders also urged their flock not to retaliate. The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) Chairman Reverend Dr Eu Hong Seng called on Christians to be wise and measured in their response to such acts”

“Council of Churches Malaysia (CCM) general secretary Reverend Dr Hermen Shastri, in condemning the incident
today, said that the churches in the country will remain calm, but vigilant”

On the 5th of January 2014, Malaysians of all religions rallied in solidarity with Catholics attending Sunday Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Klang

The right way to react to provocation is by keeping calm. Everyone knows you dont fight fire with fire. Gandhi once said “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” Kudos to those who have reacted correctly!