3r Cannot Be Shortcut To Power

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In this country, it does not take much for a simple issue to become a national controversy.
One speech, one video, or one social media post that touches race, religion, or royalty (3R) is often enough to turn public attention into outrage.
These are not ordinary topics. They are deeply tied to our national identity and that is why they matter.
That is also why they are frequently misused, especially by those hoping to regain political ground.
We have seen this pattern repeated by opposition figures who are desperate to remain relevant.
Whenever they run out of ideas or when support slips, they fall back on the same old strategy. Stir the Malays. Create the illusion that Islam is under attack. Suggest that the position of the Malays is being threatened.
It is no longer working the way it used to. Many now see it for what it is: political manipulation.
The Malays are not under siege. Islam continues to be protected. The Constitution remains firm.
What is under threat is the political relevance of those who refuse to evolve beyond outdated, divisive tactics.
Rather than offering real solutions to real problems, such as the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, or education reform, these leaders resort to provoking emotions.
They aim to distract, not to build. And Malaysians, including many Malays, are growing tired of being treated as pawns.
This is not simply irresponsible. It is calculated. It is a deliberate attempt to stir insecurity so that fear becomes a substitute for leadership.
The result is more division, more distrust, and less space for honest, constructive national dialogue.
The public is paying attention. Malays are beginning to question why their name is constantly being used in political speeches, not for empowerment but for manipulation.
Non-Malays are fed up with being portrayed as the ever-present threat.
Everyone can see this is not about defending values. It is about masking the failure to govern when given the chance.
Political responsibility
This is why political responsibility matters. Freedom of speech must never be an excuse to incite.
In a country as diverse as ours, speaking without care has real consequences. Reckless speech does not make someone brave. It simply shows a lack of discipline.
Those who keep using race and religion to divide should not only face legal consequences, but they must also be rejected by the rakyat.
At the next election, voters must remember who focused on solutions and who chose to recycle fear.
We must also speak plainly about how this impacts others. For many non-Malays, raising a concern is immediately framed as disloyalty. They are expected to stay silent, even when unfairly targeted.
Their silence is not agreement. It is exhaustion. They are not demanding special treatment. They are asking to be treated with fairness and not weaponised as political tools.
Malaysia has never lacked smart, capable people. What we need is leadership with courage and honesty, leadership that does not rely on playing to fear.
The 3Rs are part of our national structure. But they are not weapons for political survival. Misusing them repeatedly does not just damage reputations. It damages the country.
Enough is enough. - Mkini
MAHATHIR RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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