Celebrate diversity, don’t just tolerate it

 

From Dave Ananth

In the colourful tapestry of Malaysia’s cultural landscape, the word “tolerance” often stands out as a misfitting stitch.

It carries with it an implication of begrudging acceptance, a resignation to coexist despite differences, rather than a genuine celebration of diversity. For a nation as richly diverse as Malaysia, mere tolerance falls short of what is needed to foster true unity and understanding among its people.

At the heart of Malaysia’s social fabric lies a mosaic of races, religions, and cultures, intricately woven together through a complex history of colonisation, migration, and historical narratives. From the indigenous Orang Asli to the Malay, Chinese, Indian, and myriad other ethnic communities, Malaysia is a melting pot of identities, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the nation. Diversity should be celebrated not tolerated.

Yet despite this richness, Malaysia has often grappled with issues of identity, ethnicity, and religious harmony. The colonial legacy of divide and rule, coupled with modern-day political agendas, has sometimes exacerbated tension among communities instead of fostering genuine understanding and acceptance. Until today, despite all the promises of the Madani government, there is still this “tolerate” phenomena.

The term tolerance implies a passive coexistence where differences are begrudgingly accepted rather than embraced. It suggests a state where one merely puts up with the presence of others, rather than actively seeking to understand, appreciate, and celebrate diversity.

This passive approach to diversity management can lead to simmering tension, misunderstandings, and even conflicts, as seen in various instances throughout Malaysia’s history.

To move beyond mere tolerance, Malaysia must strive for a genuine acceptance and celebration of its diversity. This would require a shift in mindset, from viewing diversity as a challenge or a burden to recognising it as a source of strength and richness. Instead of merely tolerating differences, Malaysians should embrace them wholeheartedly, recognising the unique contributions that each community brings to the national identity.

Central to this shift is the promotion of intercultural dialogue and understanding. By encouraging open and respectful communication among different communities, Malaysia can foster empathy, compassion, and mutual respect. This involves actively listening to the voices and experiences of marginalised communities, acknowledging historical injustices, and working towards reconciliation and healing.

Education plays a crucial role in this process. By incorporating multicultural perspectives in the curriculum and promoting diversity awareness in schools, Malaysia can instil values of acceptance, empathy, and inclusivity from a young age. This will help nurture a generation of Malaysians who not only tolerate but actively embrace diversity as a fundamental aspect of national identity.

Furthermore, Malaysia must address systemic inequalities and discrimination that hinder genuine acceptance and inclusivity. This includes dismantling barriers to equal opportunities in education, employment, and civic participation, ensuring that all Malaysians have a fair chance to thrive regardless of their background.

Religious harmony is another critical aspect of fostering acceptance and unity in Malaysia. As a nation with a diverse religious landscape, Malaysia must uphold the principles of freedom of religion and belief while promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. This involves challenging stereotypes, combating religious extremism, and building bridges of trust and cooperation among different religious communities.

Ultimately, the goal for Malaysia is not just tolerance, but true acceptance and celebration of diversity. It requires a collective effort from all segments of society – government, civil society, religious leaders, educators, and individuals – to create a culture of inclusivity, respect, and understanding.

In embracing diversity lies Malaysia’s greatest strength. By celebrating its multicultural heritage and embracing the richness of its diversity, Malaysia can forge a future where unity, harmony, and mutual respect prevail.

It is only through genuine acceptance and celebration of diversity that Malaysia can truly fulfil its potential as a beacon of multiculturalism and inclusivity in the global community. - FMT

Dave Ananth is an FMT reader.

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