MUCH has been said about the country’s state of unity. We hear voices of concern from leaders and the people.
All are worried about the relationship between the races.
What made temperatures rise, how did prejudices become the norm, and who should be blamed for this?
It took us a long time to create trust among the races, but it’ll take us just a few minutes to destroy that trust.
Some leaders exploit matters that promote their group’s interests.
There are those who use ethnic, religious and cultural differences for sectarian gains.
This is bad for the nation and the credibility of the government.
Leaders should use common terms associated with unity to boost unity.
Terms like tolerance and diversity should carry the same meaning for everyone.
Leaders give statements to followers on the next course of action.
Leaders should be aware that their ability to unite society is integral to building a successful nation.
True leaders will use their position to boost their moral character and bring goodness to society.
It is important to be objective when dealing with issues that can cause conflict.
Racial problems require solutions that stem from a spirit of consensus.
Harmonious relations should not be at the behest of certain figures.
Rivalries among groups must not put unity at stake. Unity should be an agenda that is above politics.
Malaysians must learn to have narratives that promote understanding.
Our diversity is a strength that can become a sense of pride.
It is time to shift the focus to an agenda of nation-building. The constitution provide us with a framework to engage with one another.
We need to set aside our egos for unity to work.
Unity for Malaysia is a continuous pursuit. It should be the noble mission of every person.
ENIZAHURA ABDUL AZIZ
Centre for the Study of Shariah, Law and Politics, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (Ikim)