Bersatu

By now most people would have read about the local politician who stirred up a hornet’s nest last week by uttering racist remarks. It’s a pity really that after all these years of living together peacefully we all seem to be more divided than ever. Or at least that’s what our politicians will have us believe.

My daughter came back from school excitedly last week, declaring that she’s just learned a great song where children from all races sing together in unity. That title of the song, coincidentally, is “Bersatu” which in English means united. I can’t help but feel the irony of this, because it was just last week that the act of an irresponsible politician threatened the very fabric of unity in this country.

Parenting is no walk-in-the-park. It’s hard enough as it is and our politicians are not making things easier with all the remarks they make. I wish they would just make up their minds on what they really want for the country and its people because on one hand the kids are being taught to stand united together, and on the other we have politicians ripping apart the fabric of our unity.

How do I explain to my daughter the actions of the irresponsible politician especially when she’s been taught at home and at school that we should respect one and all irrespective of their skin colour and religion? Or perhaps it will be easier to just send the politicians back to Standard One to re-learn everything they have obviously forgot.