Experts: Fill Syawal with goodwill to bolster unity
KUALA LUMPUR: In just five minutes, “Lembaran Baru” (New Page) delivered through RHB’s holiday commercial tugged the hearts of millions of Malaysians by bringing out the ‘spirit of goodwill’ through its touching message of giving someone a timely helping hand regardless of race or skin colour.
The story based on the true incident of an Indian mother, her son and a Malay lawyer, not only touched the hearts of many but also became a source of inspiration.
The persistence of a lawyer named Zahiril who earnestly begged the mother to get a Good Behaviour Bond for the crime of stealing a pencil box without asking for any payment, clearly proves the ‘spirit of goodwill’ that is strongly ingrained in Malaysians.
It is true as emphasised in the holiday video, things that are small and unimportant to many people, are everything to others, and because of that, many hope that the friendship will continue to be strong including in real life.
Looking at the message of unity delivered, it is very significant with the coming of Syawal to strengthen the relationship of the multi-racial community in this country as well as to some extent ease sensitive issues, especially those involving race and religion, which have caused friction in the community recently.
Furthermore, with the movement, “Maaf Zahir Batin Hari-hari” (#MZB365) which was introduced by civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media in Malaysia, it should be expanded or supported by many parties because it is seen as the best platform to strengthen the spirit of unity, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee who is the chairman of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) said it is best that the campaign is not only highlighted during Syawal or a certain period only but should be continued indefinitely.
“As citizens, regardless of religion and race, we must understand the issue of sensitivity in the country as well as showing love for each other, so that the harmony of this pluralistic society can be highlighted and enhanced,” he said.
The movement was introduced with the aim of combating expressions of ethnic-religious hatred and encouraging the practice of apologising as well as emphasising the importance of the practice across various beliefs and cultural backgrounds, including Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism and indigenous communities in Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsula.
In promoting this movement, Lee who is also a former Member of Parliament for Bukit Bintang said the government should also play a role in devising appropriate campaigns to foster the spirit of unity and love for the country.
“Since 2000, words like ‘goodwill’ are no longer emphasised by the government and now, words related to technology and AI (artificial intelligence) are emphasised (by the government). Undoubtedly, it is important to develop the country but don’t forget the words that can make the people unite ,” he said.
However, It cannot be relied solely on the shoulders of the government, as political analyst Dr G. Manimaran sees political leaders including elected representatives also play an important role in providing understanding to any situation that is likely to threaten the unity of the country.