Malaysians were recently jarred from their depressed comatose state brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the shenanigans of their elected representatives.
The jolt came from the floating of the idea of a ‘Malaysian Family’.
It was announced by a prime minister who was previously recognised as being ultra-Malay.
But now, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob realises the magnitude of his responsibility, which is why he is now promoting a liberal concept of pluralistic existence with his metaphorical slogan of the ‘Malaysian Family’.
The journey towards the realisation of this idea is fraught with pitfalls, because the current social, political, and ethnic imperatives, characterised by divisiveness rather than cohesiveness, present some real obstacles.
One would not be faulted if one perceives this ‘Malaysian Family’ concept as more for political expediency rather than an integral part of social reengineering.
Past experience with the previous slogan of 1Malaysia, which was to galvanize Malaysians towards a common mental and physical identity to attain prosperity and equity for all, irrespective of racial, religious, and ideological differences, left much to be desired.
Yet, instead of fostering unity and brotherhood with a common intent, 1Malaysia created an insurmountable chasm of racial dissension and religious bigotry.
Worse still, instead of the equitable sharing of opportunities and the country’s wealth, the then ruling clique, headed by Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was linked to the 1MDB scandal. Other government-linked companies plagued by allegations of mismanagement of funds were the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and Tabung Haji.
This concept of unity in the form of a ‘Malaysian Family’ should be pursued differently from similar past slogans. However, it cannot be realised overnight because it first needs to undo the various impediments to its realisation. It may take a generation to bear fruit, if the fundamental aspects are honestly and sincerely addressed.
Mere words and sloganeering are meaningless, unless supported by altruistic, sincere, and affirmative actions to realise the fundamental ingredients that would eventually lead to a full-fledged ‘Malaysian Family’.
What is required is a restructuring of our social-political system based on equal opportunities, with a common denominator in education, social interaction, and economic opportunities.
More important is a political system that is not racially or religiously prejudiced and led by altruistic leaders that see beyond the confines of their vested interests and self-entitlement.
For a ‘Malaysian Family’ cannot exist when leaders create fear and dissension, and pollute the minds of their sectarian group, and duping them into thinking that they are the only recourse for salvation.
It is too much to expect the realisation of the ‘Malaysian Family’ within the remaining aborted electoral period.
Lest that it may become mere rhetoric floated for political purposes, the least the prime minister could do now is initiate institutional reforms that would enable interactions and engagements beyond the racial, religious, and dogmatic ideological confines – to minimise differences and optimise similarities and to celebrate the diversity of life’s expressions.
This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of Twentytwo13.
