[OPINION] Towards national unity through a true unity government?

Because of the complexities involved in achieving unity whether in creativity or actuality, there has arisen the complementary concept of “unity in diversity” which refers to a less rigid integration based on the understanding that there are different elements standing on their own merits but which can still work together to achieve equilibrium. In Malaysia unity in diversity has become a clichéd term to refer to any entity with a combination of different elements.

To talk of achieving national unity seems even more idealistic when one considers the differences that exist between and among the peoples that constitute a nation. An undeniable fact about human society is its multiethnicity, that is the existence of groups of people sharing a common identity through their shared language, culture, customs and traditions.

There have been calls to remove the requirement of race and ethnicity (for example Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban or Kadazan) in official documents, and to replace it with the all-encompassing national identity of being Malaysian or Bangsa Malaysia. However, this has not received majority support mainly because population categorization or a census of some sort is still deemed necessary for certain purposes.

Ethnic diversity is something to extol when people from different backgrounds live together peacefully and are unified in their love for the nation they call home. Malaya then and Malaysia now was and is well known for being the melting pot of peoples, cultures and traditions which has preserved our multiculturalism and developed it in so many positive ways. It is this which makes the nation appear unified and whole. However, at Malaysia’s political seams, cracks often appear when ethnic-based political parties address community issues that are neglected or have not been properly handled. As representatives of their community, politicians and political leaders have no choice but to be partial in their approach. Without referring to specific cases, suffice it to say that political parties fight for the rights and privileges of their members to protect them from incursions and injustices. In the course of upholding the rights of one’s group, it sometimes appears that one is treading on the rights of others. At a more serious level, there may be encroachments into one another’s constitutional rights.

The real danger arises when “racialism” which is the bias towards a particular ethnic group to protect its interests slides into “racism” which is the prejudice, discrimination and antagonism towards someone of a different race because of the belief that one’s own race is superior. While racialism is the natural feeling of being proud of and protective over one’s own community, racism is man-made hatred and discrimination towards people who belong to other communities.

There’s no dispute that the duty and responsibility of the government in power is to look after the wellbeing of its people regardless of race and creed, socio-cultural, economic and political backgrounds. More specifically, a democratic government abides by the country’s Constitution in executing its key functions, among which are ensuring national security; protecting civil liberties; managing socio-cultural, economic and political stability; and executing these with fairness and justice.

Thus in a political scenario where political parties are in dispute and are at each other’s throats over every issue that surfaces, the country’s development is bound to be impeded and its citizens made unhappy and discontented. This scenario seems to be unfolding in Malaysia as the 9-month old Pakatan Harapan government endeavours to maintain the equilibrium of change and reform while maintaining tested plans and policies. Unfortunately, decisions made by some cabinet members do not go down well with certain sectors of society who expect more relevant ones to be made.

At the root of the people’s growing disquiet is also the party politicking and leadership power play in the political parties. It does not help that the opposition parties, especially UMNO which should be a credible opposition, have been diminished to near smithereens by the continuous onslaught on its corrupt and corrupted party leaders. For the UMNO phoenix to rise again and be restored to its former glory now seems an impossible dream.

To add fuel to fire, extremist individuals and groups in some parties are stoking racist sentiments to create open confrontations and aggression. To ward off untoward developments which might lead to serious disarray, I believe that the way forward for Malaysia is working towards a government of national unity which is a broad coalition of government consisting of all parties. Although many will argue that Malaysia is not on the verge of a national catastrophe such as war, or a political impasse which warrants its formation, considerations of the merits of genuine, fair and just power sharing would surely be among the people’s ideals as they no longer believe that party loyalty is the end-all and be-all of politics.

As the electorate, especially among the younger generation, tires of constant party in-fighting which disrupts the country’s political stability impacting economic and socio-cultural development, more and more young people will seek safer and more viable pastures abroad. To win their loyalty and that of other disillusioned citizens, let us consider and work towards a Malaysia that has a unified political structure viz a true unity government, through the diversity of its peoples’ political affiliations.

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* Datuk Halimah Mohd Said is the President of Association of Voices of Peace, Conscience and Reason (PCORE).