THE concept of Keluarga Malay-sia, or Malaysian Family, is timely and laudable for the country as we are still battling many forces.
Among them are the Covid-19 pandemic, economic problems, political dramas, corruption, and racial and religious misunderstandings.
The principles in Keluarga Malaysia will provide a "social safety net for all".
The concept includes three elements: inclusivity, common ground and contentment.
These cut across religious, ethnic and racial boundaries to allow Malaysians to come together as a unified family.
The success of the concept will be measured using the Key Happiness Outcome, which will be based on a Happiness Index, a universal value applicable in most countries.
The concept is nothing new.
Wawasan 2020, or Vision 2020, introduced by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1991, emphasised the creation of Bangsa Malaysia, or Malaysian Society, as one of the nine challenges to propel the nation to high-income status.
Later, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak espoused the 1Malaysia concept.
The main goal was to promote unity. It intertwined with eight values: high performance culture, accuracy, knowledge, innovation, integrity, strong will, loyalty and wisdom.
Although those two concepts were promoted, they could not sustain themselves and make an impression in people's hearts and value system.
Their lack of success could be attributed to a lack of inclusivity, commitment and actors.
For things to be successful, leaders should walk the talk.
There has to be fairness and equal treatment for all. This applies to all sectors, including employment.
Give due recognition to people's qualifications and experiences and pave the way for their career development instead of showing favouritism and nepotism.
In the education sphere, let's give scholarships to those who deserve it.
Let's give aid to the needy by forgoing discriminatory practices.
A family means love and respect. All members will be treated equally and the father, the leader of the family, ensures that the boat of life sails through harmoniously in all circumstances.
People have high expectations that the Keluarga Malaysia concept will resolve many problems of the past.
As the prime minister envisioned, we Malaysians are one big family.
People hope that this won't be just another slogan, but rather a practical one where all family members, who are of different shapes, sizes, colours and religious backgrounds, will reap the fruit of happiness.
More importantly, this concept should be introduced in the education system.
Let's start them young. Only then can we strengthen the unity among Malaysians.
Let's go beyond ridiculing other family members for self-interest. Instead, let's embrace and welcome all as one big Malaysian Family to build a resilient nation.
The writer is senior research fellow, National Institute of Public Administration (Intan)