Isn’t it time to heal Malaysia?

 

If we have a general election now, what do you reckon the outcome would be? You probably have a theory on who will win, right?

Going by the last few by-elections, you probably can make an informed and educated guess. And, if recent trends are to be believed, a lot of people will not bother to come out to vote, anyway.

So, what happens after the results are announced?

Some will rejoice that their preferred government has been brought to power. Others might give thanks that they possibly will not face too harsh consequences for any past misdemeanours.

The losing side will naturally smart and lick their wounds. Accusations will be hurled; post mortems will be conducted; and resignations will be demanded.

Whatever the outcome, I believe one thing is for sure. We will see a continued and deepening divide in our nation. Because Malaysia is more divided than ever.

We were once a country defined by our confident and tenacious spirit. Our diversity was a blessing and we worked as a united nation to become an ‘Asian Tiger’. Our human capital was the envy of this part of the world.

Now, we wonder whether we are a nation coming apart at the seams.

There’s no doubt about societal and political turmoil. Every day, we question the inequities and the social injustices. Whatever we do as a nation seems to only benefit the political elites and their cronies.

The general election will not heal and change our reality, will it?

Whoever secures power, will alienate those on the other side. It’s a zero-sum game, with the citizenry coming out as the ultimate losers.

The rise of histrionic-partisanship has grown into increased racism. We have developed a whole range of phobias towards each other. Harmony and togetherness, which was once our hallmark, now just feels like a lingering myth.

At the national level, there is a clear pattern between economic growth and voting behaviour.

Urban Malaysia votes in the opposite direction of lower density rural communities. Race and the fears associated with racial politics, is an overbearing feature in our landscape. And, of course, our unscrupulous and self-serving politicians magnify our differences for their own ends.

So, what should we do?

I think we need to start by reminding ourselves that we actually can elect our representatives. Because if the quest to make a better Malaysia is not your job or mine, then whose is it?

Low turnouts at elections simply disprove the idea of our government actually representing all citizens. As Malaysians, we can and must elect a government that will safeguard all our people. And, which will ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

So, come out to vote, even if you didn’t like the outcome the last time round.

Next, we should ‘re-learn’ how to respect others.

In our plural society, we have an ethical responsibility to interact with each other, with respect. We have to promote the common good, always. And for this, we must, as a nation, stop stereotyping people from certain races.

Bumiputeras are not all privileged, and non-bumiputeras don’t all have better alternatives.

Disparities do exist amongst us, and they should be addressed through the lens of fairness and equity towards everyone. And, citizens need to act with some fidelity, which means always choosing to be faithful to the ideals of the foundational purpose of our nation.

Further, our job is to consistently insist that our legislators be accountable for their actions. As they enact or amend laws, we must insist that they seek unity and be guided by principles of justice.

If we are honest, there is such a lack of empathy at the moment, and distrust reigns.

To heal the nation, we cannot try to elevate ourselves or certain groups of people over others, and claim ownership over Malaysia. We should listen to and respect each other’s journey.

We must all acknowledge that our cultural heritage and environment have influenced our thinking patterns and the way we behave. Malaysians need to, once again, become better acquainted with each other.

This way, we can recalibrate and rebuild our understanding of our conduct, choices, and of what we value. We need to commit to stop looking down on others. Instead, Malaysians must find ways to lift up each other, regardless of race, religion or creed.

We must stop debating with each other about our beliefs. Debates are usually adversarial. Conversely, we should find common goals and a shared vision for the country. A vision that we can all buy into.

I realise that if I am looking for peace and harmony, I will be considerate to everyone in Malaysia.

The history of the world is peppered with examples of how if people are segregated and divided, even the strongest of nations will fall. Therefore, Malaysians must re-evaluate our current communal relationships, so that we can shape a better future for ourselves.

Rebuilding Malaysia is not without its difficulties. But with less repression and more understanding, we will heal. Don’t you think we deserve to heal? - FMT

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