National unity the bedrock of new Malaysia

THE ICERD gathering – an event much talked about – has ended.

The event, which attracted more than 50,000 people (or more since there is no official figures), elevated Kuala Lumpur’s popularity to international heights, encouraging social media warriors to be at loggerheads on the positive and negative impacts of the event itself.

The reason for organising of such a rally in the first place is still ambiguous. Some say it was to protest against ICERD, whilst others believed it was to display gratitude to the current government for not ratifying the ICERD. Whichever the reason, one truth is that many of the fallen Barisan Nasional leaders are trying to show their muscle in gathering the people and organising a rally mainly to show that they are still in control. This is no doubt a wrong notion for any leader to uphold or practice.

Malaysia is a delicate nation; so delicate that anyone can make her weep, not for joy, but for the theatric ploys that our political leaders occasionally take upon themselves merely to show their relevance.

Viewing the clips on social media, it was even more puzzling to realise the naivety and innocence of many who were interviewed. Many were totally ignorant or uninformed on the ICERD. This rally was not to show thanks – ‘thank you’ was not mentioned at all. Instead, it was a gathering filled with speeches of hatred, religious supremacy and distrust. Can Malaysia afford such gatherings?

How many investors would have thought twice about investing in our country based on the gullibility and vulnerability of our political masters in wanting to renege their position despite failing badly at the polling box after 60 years of supremacy.

It is clear that the new Malaysian ideology has still not caught up with most of the political leaders in the opposite camp, though 80 per cent of ordinary Malaysians have understood this concept, and bravely displayed it in the last 2018 elections.

National unity is a topic that is much talked about in school debates, Toastmasters’ table topic sessions and occasionally in Parliament. I think this must change and more emphasis be placed on the issue at hand. We cannot at any point of time ignore or downplay National Unity. Unity among all ethnicities is the bedrock of our stability and strength. We must ensure that there are consistent and continuous programmes and policies aiming to achieve national unity. It is pointless to have a ministry and yet organise rallies to support the wrong causes.

Instead, we must organise a national rally on National Unity with running events like marathons or parades; billboards promoting National Unity set up in every corner; radio and TV talk shows airing promo adverts and fanfare in support of this cause; and dedicated cyber troopers to monitor any defiant or bigots from traversing the cyberspace to ensure that there is no one who is against the principles of our Rukunegara and National Unity. There must be serious structural and policy changes on national unity starting from our schools.

Till today, academicians are still debating and arguing on matters regarding our history. For example, Parameswara founded Melaka – does it matter if he was a Hindu prince? Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat defended and sustained the Melaka Sultanate from the threat of others – why are their origins of birth being questioned? History refers to events that have already taken place and cannot be altered.

Accept, learn and remember the facts, and move on to build a better future. We are strongly bound by religion or race on any subject of history. This should not be the case. There must be a module on patriotism in our school curriculum that pays equal attention to every race, religion and way of life.

We are Malaysians. It is our duty to strategically bring about changes that will bring all ethnicities closer, without losing their identity, culture, language, religion or beliefs.

We must break the unwanted stereotypes like Indians are drunkards, Malays are lazy and Chinese are stingy, and take concerted effort to bring every Malaysian together.

Remove the bigots who say we cannot eat at an outlet run by a different race. Bring back the times, when our Father of Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman, discussed the Merdeka game plan at a Chinese restaurant in Tanjung Malim. We must sincerely teach our children from the womb that we are Malaysians and we are not different except for our language (which we can learn and be multi-lingual); our places of worship (to which all are welcome to respectfully visit); or the food that we eat (to which all are most welcome to feast on as long as it complies with our way of life).

We must instil the importance of love for all races, irrespective of their economic or social standing. All the religious sermons and prayers in our nation must have National Unity as the main agenda. We should be united irrespective of our political or religious beliefs. This is possible if we come together as one, without the adverse advice or influence of any political leaders. We need young and dynamic new generations of leaders to profess and practise unity in the true sense. On the grassroots level, moderation plays an incremental role in achieving national unity.

Moderation in this sense is a conscious effort in avoiding dissonance and maintaining goodwill in the practice of our traditions, beliefs and practices in everyday life. Though Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural country, religion dominates our daily discourse and hence remains a sore thumb in all racial tensions.

Most racial conflicts arise in the form of religious clashes, predominantly between Muslims and non-Muslims.

In this sense, tolerance and understanding play a role in bridging our religious divide and subsequently uniting the nation. Moderation can be achieved via organised interfaith activities such as forums, dialogues, workshops or even a walkabout.

Instead of hiding behind the facade of sensitivity and taboo, youths should be encouraged to boldly participate in interfaith activities with the opportunity to engage with leaders of faith; clearing misconceptions while gaining further knowledge on other members of the nation. Malaysia has a huge potential to be one of the leading nations in Asia. We are now regaining our strength to be the next Tiger of the East. We can only achieve this by having all Malaysians stand together as one.

Let’s not forget that Malaysia’s strength is her diversity. Her inner beauty is the variety that is prevailing everywhere. Her divine beauty is the strength of being the home of Asia’s largest populace i.e. the Malays, Chinese and Indians in every nook and corners of our nation.

Malaysia is a unique nation where various ethnicities live together in harmony. We are lucky to stay united despite all the challenges that we faced and withstood through protests, massacres, riots and other unfortunate and in reality, unnecessary unpleasant events.

National Unity is not a subject. It must be our mantra for a way forward. No country has ever succeeded when the domestic peace is at stake. We must unite; unity is the bedrock of our future success. We have lost one true Malaysian due to the overzealous corporate sector or political manoeuvring of certain quarters. We should never lose anyone due to the mischief of someone. — Bernama