Renew dialogue across communities to strengthen unity, says sociologist

UKM’s Abdul Rahman Embong says greater engagement is needed at all levels, particularly within local communities, to strengthen mutual understanding.

Malaysians often overlook that they live in a shared, multiethnic and multireligious society, says a UKM sociologist. (File pic)

KUALA LUMPUR:

 Sociologist Abdul Rahman Embong has called for renewed dialogue across ethnic groups, warning that Malaysia’s social cohesion could weaken if communities are divided.

Abdul Rahman Embong.

The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia professor said Malaysians often fail to appreciate that they live in a shared, multiethnic and multireligious society.

“Renewing dialogue among us is critical to improving social cohesion,” he told FMT. “Sometimes we forget that we live in a society where our future is shared.”

The 82-year-old said greater engagement is needed at all levels, particularly within local communities, to strengthen mutual understanding.

He added that while Malaysia promotes unity in diversity, this is not always reflected in practice.

“We say we are united in diversity, but we don’t fully appreciate diversity. Diversity is our asset. It gives colour to society,” he said.

Education divide

Rahman said structural issues, particularly in education, must also be addressed. He noted that national schools, originally intended to bring together children from different backgrounds, are becoming increasingly homogenous.

He also observed that Chinese schools are attracting more diverse enrolment due to growing public confidence in their system.

“You can see more diversity there because people have confidence in the system,” he said.

He stressed that institutions must actively promote diversity, interaction and understanding.

“That is our strength,” he said.

“People want to connect but when institutions are separated, they don’t tend to meet. We have to close this divide.”

Rahman was speaking at the launch of a book by Singapore-born British lawyer Tan Wah Piow titled “A Dialogue Across Civilisations” here. Other panellists included former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and former PKR MP R Sivarasa.

The 137-page book is published by Gerakbudaya and is sold at RM25 at major bookstores. - FMT