Step out of your silos, people

AS Malaysians celebrate our 61st Merdeka anniversary, Philip Golingai’s “Who is an ‘anak’ Malaysia?” ( One Man’s Meat, Views, Aug 25) is a timely and valid poser, particularity given our new government’s promise of inclusiveness and good governance.

The country’s founding father Tunku Abdul Rahman’s key message, that the bond that unites us is that we are all Malaysians, must serve as our constant political and social guide for all stakeholders in our nation, including government agencies, communities and the rakyat.

Put simply, ethnic differences must not prevent us from thinking and acting as Malaysians. Our sense of nationhood can only be enhanced if our multiracial and multireligious people don’t live in silos. Hence, all stakeholders must consciously and deliberately go beyond race and creed in striving to forge a common national identity.

It is not about ignoring but finding strength and unity in our individual differences. Hence, it would be a tragedy for our nation to be held back in economic and social advancements by not using our greatest strength: diversity. Our successful shared destiny, as Malaysians, can only occur by not making the mistake of “building too many walls and not enough bridges”.

Our Constitution and Rukun Negara speak about the importance of shared values, but as Malaysians, we need to walk the talk. Perhaps former US President John F. Kennedy’s speech that said “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” will prompt a strong mindset change in thinking and attitude that we should, individually and collectively, strive to place the nation’s needs above our personal wishes or vision.