3 resolutions for Malaysians in 2024

 

It’s that time of the year when many of us reflect on the past year and make resolutions to improve ourselves or our situation in life.

Many of us resolve to drop bad habits or wrong habits of thinking and doing; others resolve to not repeat past mistakes in the new year. Yet others resolve to achieve something or other – such as making a lifestyle change – or acquiring some object or other – such as a new car – in the new year.

Some, bitten by experience, do not make New Year’s resolutions because they have not been able to sustain the momentum of the optimistic first few days or weeks.

From observing people over the years, I know that most see the new year as offering another opportunity for a fresh start in their lives and to do those things that they have been putting off or have failed to achieve.

And this is when we realise that setting goals is important, for it is the first step in achieving whatever we wish to achieve.

For 2024, I would like to suggest three resolutions for Malaysians to adopt.

The first resolution is to endeavour to build bridges and not walls between us. Let us consider the impact of our words and actions before uttering or doing something. Does it help bring us closer together? Does it hurt others? Does it reflect my arrogance or my humility and understanding? Do I take joy in insulting someone or someone’s religion; if so, what does that say about me?

Even if we cannot help our fellow Malaysians, at least let us not harm them. Let us try to understand and respect each other better in 2024.

The world is getting more and more splintered, and more hatred is being spewed now – including via social media. Let us not add to this. Let us instead make an effort to engage more with members of other communities in order to understand them better. Let us try to make more friends from other communities – whether on the playing field or in our housing estates or at the workplace – in 2024.

The second resolution is related to the first: Let us see and practice unity in diversity. Let us accept and respect each other’s ways and belief systems. Let us learn more about each other’s religions and cultures. Let us not assume the position that “only I am right” or “only my religion is right”.

If there are differences, let us endeavour to settle them civilly through discussions and not through threats of violence or intimidation. Let us agree to disagree in some areas, knowing that no two people are alike in every way.

Let us realise that this diversity not only adds colour to the nation but offers tremendous potential for national growth and pride if the talents of the various groups and individuals are fairly and properly nurtured and utilised.

Let us adopt first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman’s “Live and let live” philosophy.

The third resolution is to strive to think for ourselves, and not simply believe what others believe or do what others say. If we are honest with ourselves, we will realise that many of the beliefs and opinions we hold are borrowed from others – whether family or friends or community or media.

Whenever someone says something or asks us to believe something, let us ask ourselves if what he or she says is truthful, objective, justified and fair. This applies to both individuals and institutions, including the government.

This is especially important in a multiracial, multireligious nation like Malaysia where tensions can come to a boil. Let us not agree with a lie or anything unjust simply because a fellow community member or friend or co-religionist says so or holds that belief.

In the age of social media and viral videos, it is even more important that we pause and reflect on what has been said or what is in the video before believing it or sharing it with others.

Let us not rush to judgment but ponder over whatever is said or shown or done before doing something that worsens a situation, and which we may regret years later.

If we successfully carry out these three resolutions, not only will we be better persons at the end of 2024, Malaysia will become a much better nation. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.