There has been significant controversy, particularly in Malaysia and Israel, over recent statements made by our Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, during the OIC meeting. The statement that drew the most ire—especially from Israelis and the broader international community—was his remark that “Jews rule the world.”
Frankly, I’m not sure what to make of it. But if someone were to say that the Chinese rule the world, I’d probably feel quite pleased—and smug. Maybe I’d even go out and test my newfound master-ruler attitude on the so-called peons who supposedly toil for my pleasure.
Or perhaps it wasn’t just that statement that caused the outrage. Maybe it was his assertion that “Jews get people to die for their causes.” Or the claim that “Jews rule the world by proxy.” I mean, the nerve of him—suggesting that a proxy is even necessary in the first place!
But on a more serious note, I think the whole “Jewish conspiracy” narrative has been around for far too long. And let’s be honest—if a conspiracy theory has endured this long, it’s probably because it contains some kernel of truth. Just like the “Who-Killed-JFK” conspiracy or the “U.S. Government-Covered-Up-UFOs” conspiracy.
To my Jewish friends who are offended, my advice: lighten up a little and consider the speech in context.
Mahathir’s address was delivered to an assembly of Islamic leaders, and in my view, it provocatively tackled key issues facing the global Muslim community. As is his usual style, he launched into a paternalistic tough-love lecture, criticizing certain Muslim behaviors—suicide bombings, tribal infighting, the rejection of technology and knowledge, and so on. Those familiar with his speeches at UMNO assemblies wouldn’t have found anything surprising. However, for some of the international delegates seated in the gleaming new convention center in Putrajaya, his words might have been jarring. The whole thing was a bit like watching Dr. Phil tear into Oprah’s guests—harsh, but arguably well-intentioned.
When viewed in context, the speech was actually berating Muslims for not following the example of Jewish success. Had a non-Muslim made the same argument, there would likely have been an uproar—perhaps even death threats—from extremist and fanatical groups. Ideally, though, Mahathir’s speech will prompt some leaders to rethink the long-standing Muslim-Jewish-Western conflicts and consider a new approach—one that seeks victory through peaceful means rather than confrontation.
From my perspective, peaceful protest is the way forward. History offers powerful lessons—particularly from India, a nation that has given the world two of its most renowned pacifists: Buddha and Gandhi. Not that I’m suggesting people convert to Buddhism—it’s not even strictly a religion—but they could certainly adopt the principle of using peace to overcome adversity. Now, if only India could apply the same philosophy to its relationship with Pakistan… but that, dear readers, is a discussion for another blog.
*Note: The quotes from Mahathir’s speech are not verbatim. They are recalled from memory, as the author did not have internet access while writing this blog.
