Young leaders can help drive unity, says Ismail Sabri

 

Ismail Sabri Yaakob said social harmony requires a change in the people’s mindset to better understand the diversity that exists in this country in order to find common ground.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob believes that the next generation of leaders in the country has the ability to strengthen unity.

In an opinion piece published in Utusan Malaysia in conjunction with Malaysia’s 66th National Day, Ismail expressed concern about the “worrying” use of inflammatory racial rhetoric by government and opposition leaders during the recently concluded state elections.

However, he noted that the country entered a “new political phase” in the last general election (GE15) with many young MPs being elected, adding that they seem to be more open-minded about racial unity.

Ads by Kiosked

“I hope this new generation of leaders, especially politicians, can play an important role (in racial unity) which was started by the first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman and other Merdeka figures,” Ismail said.

“The approach to fostering unity must be changed. Social harmony is not just about food or clothing but also about changing our mindset to better understand the diversity that exists in this country in order to find common ground.

Ismail said that while the concept of unity amid diversity is enshrined in the Federal Constitution, unity is still an issue for the country 66 years after achieving independence.

He added that Malaysians should remember that the country’s independence was the result of the unity and tolerance between different races at the time.

Rukun Negara

Speaking of disputes arising over sensitive topics such as the special rights of the Bumiputera, religious beliefs, and culture, he warned that any unrest that comes from such issues will challenge the country’s sovereignty and hurt its economic and social development.

Ads by Kiosked

Ismail went on to call for greater emphasis on the Rukun Negara as a guide to strengthening national unity, stating that it can help raise awareness of the country’s pluralism and diversity.

“Now, ‘Rukun Negara’ is just some writing at the back of children’s school workbooks. They don’t understand that these are the five basic principles for national unity,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ismail also urged Malaysian families to take responsibility for national unity by teaching the correct values and understanding of national and racial unity at home.

“Social deficits should be bridged through continuous efforts from every level of society,” he said.

“Changing our way of thinking should start at home as political leaders can only be catalysts to change.” - FMT