Come Aug 31, Malaysia will celebrate its 63rd National Day. Now is the time for Malaysians to contemplate the nation’s achievements which would not have been possible if unity and harmony did not prevail in its plural and diverse society.
In the Global Peace Index 2020, Malaysia was placed on the 20th spot among 163 independent states and territories that were ranked according to their level of peacefulness. Malaysia can be proud of this achievement as it has used its diversity to advantage.
Referring to social relations among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic communities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of Ethnic Studies associate fellow Prof Dr Mansor Mohd Noor said it (social relations) had undergone positive changes gradually over various stages.
Between the 1950s and 1970s, there were interethnic conflicts due to issues related to poverty and inequality, he said.
“There was also some social tension during the 1980s and 1990s with an incident occurring in Kampung Rawa (in Penang) in 1998. In the year 2001, there was a small clash in Kampung Medan (Kuala Lumpur), then in Lawas in 2012 (Sarawak) and at Low Yat Plaza in 2015 (Kuala Lumpur).
“Since then, no such incidents have occurred and we can say that Malaysia is headed towards social cohesion,” he told Bernama in an interview ahead of the launch of National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2020 in Putrajaya tomorrow by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Mansor said racial flare-ups can be avoided with the implementation of more effective initiatives that allow harmony and unity to prevail in this nation’s plural society.
He also said that positive developments in interracial ties are closely linked to holistic national-level development plans and governance as it can correct economic imbalances and poverty and prevent any community from being left behind and marginalised.
“The rapid growth in development and the economy has been moving in tandem with social inequality within society. This is something that has to be monitored and focused on as it involves the poor and those in the B40 group who have been neglected,” he said.
Mansor said the planning and implementation of development projects must be based on proper research input in order to enable the poor to emerge from the cycle of poverty that has gripped them for generations.
Their social progress, he added, will continue to be hindered if development is not carried out in an equitable and inclusive manner.
While Malaysians, in general, are a tolerant lot and accept each other’s goodness and follies, they must also at the same time respect the provisions enshrined in the Federal Constitution, as well as the five tenets of Rukun Negara which they must use as a guide to their daily lives.
An in-depth understanding of the Constitution and the national philosophy can help to avert misunderstandings that can put a damper on interethnic relations.
“Currently, our ethnic relations are good and so is national unity,” said Mansor, adding that history which is taught as a subject in schools should be taken more seriously as it provides an analysis of the changes in social relations in Malaysian society over the years.
The subject chronicles the struggles and contributions of the various communities which, he added, fosters the spirit of patriotism among the younger generation.
He also felt that social science should be introduced to schools as it will provide a better understanding of a multi-ethnic society and prevent conflicts from arising.
International Islamic University College Selangor senior lecturer Dr Hairol Anuar Mak Din, meanwhile, said Malaysians must unite to overcome the various challenges facing them now.
“In the past, the people were involved in the struggle to free this nation from the colonialists but now the situation requires us to be united in our fight against COVID-19,” said Hairol Anuar, who is attached to the university’s Department of Nationhood and Civilisation Studies.
To overcome the pandemic, Malaysians must comply with the necessary standard operating procedures set by the government, he said, adding that their compliance was also a manifestation of their patriotic spirit.
Hairol Anuar also said that Malaysians may have different ways to depict their love for the nation but “all of us feel so proud and happy when a fellow citizen achieves something remarkable in or outside the nation”.
Pointing to the recent actions of certain quarters that insulted Malaysia’s coat of arms and vandalised the murals of Malaysian leaders, he said Malaysians, in general, were dismayed by these incidents.
“Appropriate action must be taken against the perpetrators so that such incidents don’t recur,” he said, adding that the nation can only develop and prosper with the support of all the people.
Bernama
Mon Jul 27 2020
In the Global Peace Index 2020, Malaysia was placed on the 20th spot among 163 independent states and territories that were ranked according to their level of peacefulness. - Filepic
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.