For unity, we need ethnic bridge-builders

Malaysia is in need of ethnic bridge-builders, not ethnic heroes.

COMMENT

by K. Harinderan

Over the last 51 years, Malaysian society has been trapped in a clash of racism and inequality. Malaysia, as we know it today, is forced to confront tensions arising from the politics of race and religion.

Ironically, Malaysians have developed a keen sensitivity to ethnic concerns that helps pre-empt misunderstandings and conflicts.

National unity is a must for greater integration of the various communities. Some believe that it has to contain critical elements such as the celebration of Malaysia’s racial and cultural diversity, a commitment to the spirit of multi-culturalism and respect for the Rule of Law under a democratically elected government.

1Malaysia Foundation Trustee Lee Lam Thye when speaking at a recent Global Peace Convention said Malaysia was in need of ethnic bridge-builders instead of ethnic heroes to neutralise the politics of hatred, racial polarisation and racial exclusiveness which seemed to be on the rise.

“Education plays the most crucial role in sowing the seeds of unity among the people, particularly among the young.

“To unite youth through education, we need a committed effort to ensure that educational programmes and teachers’ training at all levels from school to college and university are directed towards national unity,” Lee said.

Lee also said we needed to reject the formation of race-based clubs or associations and disallow the conduct of race-based activities in all learning institutions.

He said one way was by implementing activities that encourage people to interact including the sharing of hostels at universities as well as establishing unity clubs to foster unity among students.

Lee added that social development through community activities such as sports, work camps, formation of clubs and organisations, unity gatherings, festivals, “gotong-royong” and others were needed to enhance integration and promote the spirit of neighbourliness.

On measures that were being implemented by the government now and in the future towards national reconciliation, historian Prof Emeritus Khoo Kay Kim said: “The most important question was the schooling system.”

He said now was the time to replace the current national education system which emphasised examinations where students memorised information to obtain high marks, with that of a system that absorbed the spirit of patriotism among students.

“We need to decide whether we want a national education system that would turn the young generation into citizens that give priority to the country or to become individuals who only think about self-interest,” he said.

A major step forward to reduce the problems at hand was the idea surrounding the setting up of the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) to deliberate on issues and problems pertaining to national unity and racial integration.

International Movement for a Just World (JUST) president Dr Chandra Muzaffar, who supported the formation of the NUCC, said it was important not only for national unity, but more so for the restoration of racial relations.

“The council must represent all the political parties, individuals within or outside the political arena who can contribute ideas on solidarity and participate in sincere dialogues,” he said.

However, Chandra said the Prime Minister must give detailed explanations on the actual meaning of national reconciliation so that it would be truly understood by every strata of society.