LETTER | Are we doing anything on polarisation ?

LETTER | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave a powerful and impactful speech at the 77th session of the United Nations.

He said, "We live in a deeply polarised world”.

The question that came to my mind when I heard the prime minister’s speech is whether we are also polarised in Malaysia.

Are we playing the international gallery as champions of humanity but domestically, polarisation is pathetic?

Since the advent of the Federation of Malaya and Malaysia with the Malaysia Agreement in 1963, we heard all kinds of permutations or combinations in expressing ourselves as Malaysians.

Do all identification and expressions of individual actors bring the desired outcome, one of which is to be genuinely a Malaysian who has contributed to the country’s productivity, peace and unity?

We hear loud clarion calls that I am Malay first then Malaysian - likewise the Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadasan and others call themselves as such then Malaysian.

We hear more often by politicians to make political mileage or gain brownie points but how these statements affect and impact the present and generation yet to come is not the concern of these political actors.

Malaysians, either politicians or otherwise who are racist or fanatics do not realise and understand the components affecting the people when they pronounce proudly in public, affecting the psyche of all.

Such uncalled statements have a detrimental effect on the young generation in our multi-racial society.

The spirit behind the identification is detrimental, an antidote to the unity of Malaysians.

When the so-called leaders were to make such statements from a particular race, this would encourage others to respond similarly in spirit and identification.

There is a vast difference between calling myself a Malaysian or an Indian Malaysian, especially when pronounced by leaders of respective communities.

Are we progressing as a nation?

The leaders must not forget the clarion call of "the Earth is one country and mankind its citizens" towards which all nations and humanity are journeying towards the divine destiny.

We will be living, nourishing and nurturing Malaysians in a polarised continuum, a trajectory which will gain more significant momentum, if unchecked will not see the light of the day, with unity in diversity.

Since independence for the last 60-odd years, politicians have committed errors in pursuing such a trajectory out of ignorance for their political expediency but not for the progress and prosperity of Malaysia.

This, as the outcome of national building glaringly shows and reflects the present scenario regarding love and unity among races.

We cannot ignore that Malaysians are disturbed and worried about the deep polarisation brought about by both sides of the political divide, which affects the commoners in the street in all dimensions.

Our 60-year process of national building doesn't seem to indicate in terms of outcomes indexes which are polarised.

Only a comprehensive planned process of nation-building will bring peace, unity and prosperity to the Malaysians, not by the haphazard interventions from time to time by selfish politicians with their racist remarks.

Prioritise national agenda

The 3R (race, religion and royalty) not to be debated with evil intentions is the correct trajectory set by the current government.

However, observing the events unfolding from issues on 3R since its call seems to contradict discrepancies in its implementation and enforcement, which is what needs to be looked at seriously.

Malaysians must not view laws as biased and prejudicial in its implementation and enforcement.

We have come a long way in the national building. Let us do what is proper and correct and undo what was done by error or default in the past.

To bring the spirit of Malaysia is for all Malaysians, not only for any particular race or religion.

The world is watching us for our rhetoric on international platforms and whether it resonates on our domestic front.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.