THE government should be applauded for the recent establishment of the new National Consultative Council for People’s Harmony (Majlis Perundingan Keharmonian Rakyat).
This is a timely initiative to strengthen national harmony and set a new narrative on race relations.
Over the past few months, we have seen our unity and religious harmony fraying at the edges. Polarisation appears to be worsening and the ethnic divide has widened. It is time to heal the nation.
Hopefully MPKR will promote closer harmony which is vital to promote economic growth and continued prosperity, peace and stability. Hopefully the government will endorse and implement the MPKR recommendations.
Having served on previous NUCCs and honoured as one of 15 members appointed to the new National Consultative Council on Harmony, I hope to be able to contribute constructively.
Growing up in the 1960s in a mixed multiracial school environment, I am reminded of moments of unity in school back then. I look forward to working with other members to promote and strengthen national harmony and unity.
To enhance national unity, I propose that we focus more on the 4Rs and 4Ms. The 4Rs are respect, reciprocity, responsibility of citizenship and racial and religious tolerance.
The 4Ms are moderation, morality, mechanisms to overcome conflicts and Middle Malaysia standing up for unity and harmony. The silent majority must not stay silent when our unity and harmony are being threatened. They should speak up against intolerance and bigotry. We have to celebrate our diversity .
We must not allow politicians with agendas to divide us. All political leaders must condemn and reject extremism and hate speech and promote policies which are just, fair and inclusive. Middle Malaysia must stand up against racial hatred. The government should also implement the Hate Crimes Bill.
To move forward, we should promote the values of acceptance, compromise and tolerance (ACT) and act boldly to enhance trust and confidence. National harmony can be further enhanced if policies are fair, just and inclusive.
Give the new National Harmony Consultative Council a chance to work and make a difference in this new Malaysia. The time for a national reconciliation is now even more important.
TAN SRI MICHAEL YEOH
Member of National Harmony Consultative Council President, Kingsley Strategic Institute