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Exploiting religion for electoral gain divides society

Using the people’s beliefs to promote a political ideal also risks casting the faith in a bad light.

Exploiting religion for electoral gain divides society

Exploiting religion to gain political advantage is tearing Malaysia apart. Those who manipulate faith to serve their own interests brand dissenters as heretics to advance their partisan agenda. This must stop, as politics and governance should never compromise decorum, ethics, or truth.

When religion is weaponized for electoral gain, its sanctity erodes, leaving society divided. In a multi-ethnic nation like Malaysia, where religion and ethnicity are intertwined, this is especially perilous. The consequences of this exploitation threaten economic stability, foreign and domestic investment, and national harmony.

The digital age amplifies the problem. Social media fuels religious and racial tensions, turning local issues into national crises within minutes. Algorithms promote anger-inducing content, creating echo chambers that erode empathy and tolerance. In this climate, the diversity that should be Malaysia's strength becomes a fault line, capable of igniting conflict.

To preserve social security and national cohesion, we must reject identity politics and extremist ideologies. Our nation's maturity is at stake. How we respond to these provocations will shape our future. By cherishing Malaysia's diversity as a divine decree and rejecting narrow, divisive narratives, we can strengthen our social fabric and ensure a harmonious future for all citizens.

Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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