This post examines the risks of making judgments based on race, religion and appearance. It highlights incidents in Malaysia and Brunei where individuals faced discrimination due to such assumptions. The piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity within communities and encourages respect over judgment.
Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are based on specific incidents and research findings. They do not encompass all perspectives on the complex issues of identity, appearance and societal assumptions.
Understanding Identity Beyond First Impressions
In today’s world, snap judgments based on race, religion and appearance are common — but should they be?
Recent incidents highlight the dangers of such assumptions:
🔹 In Malaysia, a young Chinese man was slapped for eating in public during Ramadan because someone assumed he should be fasting based on his resemblance to a Malay.
🔹 In Brunei, a Scottish Muslim travel vlogger, Rebecca El Yazrhi, was questioned about her faith because she didn’t “look” Muslim enough.
These cases expose a fundamental issue: equating identity with appearance. Race does not determine religion and clothing does not define belief. Every community is diverse, with countless individual expressions of faith, culture and identity.
Instead of making assumptions, let’s choose respect. A simple question — asked with genuine curiosity rather than judgment — can open the door to better understanding.
Have you ever witnessed or experienced a situation where someone was misjudged based on appearance?
The Reality of Stereotypes
Race, religion and appearance are distinct aspects of identity. While society often makes assumptions based on physical traits, a person's beliefs, values and cultural background are shaped by experiences, upbringing and personal choices rather than just their looks or ancestry. Stereotypes arise when people link these aspects together without acknowledging the diversity within each group.
Case Study: The Family Mart Incident (Malaysia)
In mid-March 2025, an incident at a Family Mart outlet in Angsana Mall, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, involved 65-year-old Abdul Razak Ismail and 21-year-old Elijah, a Chinese youth. Elijah, a non-Muslim, was eating during daylight hours in Ramadan when Abdul Razak confronted him, questioned his ethnicity and demanded to see his MyKad (identity card). Upon Elijah’s refusal, Abdul Razak allegedly slapped him.
The altercation was recorded and shared on social media, sparking public outcry. Police launched an investigation, and Abdul Razak was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing injury, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
On March 19, 2025, the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court granted Abdul Razak a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) following a request from the Deputy Public Prosecutor to refer the case back to the Attorney General’s Chambers for potential new charges.
The incident drew criticism from various quarters, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who stressed the importance of mutual respect among Malaysia’s diverse communities and condemned actions that disrupt national unity.
This case underscores the need for greater understanding and tolerance in multicultural societies, especially during religious observances like Ramadan.
The Consequences of Assumptions
The Family Mart incident exemplifies how assumptions based on appearance can lead to conflict. The elderly man’s actions were driven by the mistaken belief that ethnicity dictates religious practice. By demanding Elijah’s MyKad and reacting aggressively, he demonstrated a mindset that wrongly equates being Malaysian with following a single religious standard. This contradicts the reality of Malaysia as a multicultural and multi-religious society.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of stereotyping and reinforces the need for fostering mutual respect and understanding, particularly in diverse communities.
Case Study: Rebecca El Yazrhi’s Experience (Brunei)
Brunei, a predominantly Muslim nation, places a strong emphasis on modest attire, particularly when visiting religious sites such as mosques. While there is no legal requirement for women to wear head coverings in public, societal norms encourage modest dressing. Female visitors are advised to cover their shoulders and knees, and many mosques provide appropriate attire for those who may not be suitably dressed.
The incident involving Scottish Muslim travel vlogger Rebecca El Yazrhi highlights the challenges of assumptions based on appearance. A mosque official questioned her faith, likely because her attire did not align with conventional expectations. This reflects a common misconception that religious adherence is directly indicated by clothing.
Rebecca shared her experience in a YouTube video:
Her story further illustrates the importance of fostering understanding and avoiding stereotypes, recognizing that personal expressions of faith and identity can vary widely.
Moving Forward: Embracing Diversity
These incidents from Malaysia and Brunei illustrate the real-world consequences of snap judgments. When we assume that someone’s appearance dictates their identity, we risk causing harm, fostering division and undermining inclusivity.
The solution? Awareness, open-mindedness and a commitment to understanding. Instead of making assumptions, let’s ask questions with curiosity and respect. By doing so, we contribute to a more accepting and harmonious society.
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