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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

Religious and ethnic exploitation poses a grave threat to Malaysia's social fabric, as political and religious leaders abuse sacred values for partisan gain. In a diverse nation like Malaysia, where religion and ethnicity are intricately linked, this exploitation can ignite hatred, distrust, and even violence. Such manipulation can swiftly spiral into a national crisis, as social media and digital platforms amplify divisive rhetoric, creating echo chambers that further polarize society.

The consequences extend beyond social discord, impacting economic stability through reduced foreign and domestic investment. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the onus lies on leaders to reject hate speech and extremist ideologies, safeguarding the nation's future and upholding the values that make Malaysia unique.

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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