In a Facebook post, the former Wanita Umno chief said people today had a tendency to comment on others who did not conform to their own set of rules and norms, giving rise to such labels as right wing, left wing, liberals, conservatives, moderates, ulamas, ultras and extremists, amongst others.
“Who gave the right to label someone as of being in any category at all?
“The Almighty did not create us with labels. We are all created equal as humans.
Rafidah called for people to tear off their labels and instead be good and faithful followers of their respective religions and beliefs.
She stressed no religion demanded that we belittle others or declare them wrong, and that Malaysia could not afford to have splinter groups who labelled themselves.
Rafidah said there were core values and principles of life which people must adhere to and that accepting the differences in others, whether in the context of race or religion, was not being “liberal.”
She added that she was sickened at comments on what others wore, ate, liked or thought, saying it was not anyone’s business.
The former International Trade and Industry Minister pointed out however, that when a person, including one’s own flesh and blood, acted in a manner that could harm others, action had to be taken.
“For example, when someone indulges in extremist activities, regardless of the excuses given, or resorts to violence on others they do not ‘approve of’, then we need to get together to stem those activities and nip them in the bud.”