Unity As A Source Of Strength…

We have celebrated independence for 68 years and there has been a continuous, multi-decade effort to promote national unity through numerous Merdeka Day themes. The most recent was in 2023, “Tekad Perpaduan, Penuhi Harapan”. Why is it necessary?

Do Malaysians really understand the meaning of unity?

For many, it is in daily interactions or a condition of harmony rather than abstract theory. Some see it as “oneness” in vision rather than being “the same” where we agree to disagree while maintaining peace and the “colourblind” generation (younger Malaysians) often view it through shared interests (entertainment and sports).

We need to look at it as a totality of related parts and players include politicians, government agencies, the private sector, civil society and the populace as a whole. And it requires complete commitment by all. 

A royal proclamation in 1970 gave birth to Rukun Negara, a shared declaration of national identity emphasising loyalty to King and country and the rule of law which serves as the common moral and civic foundation for unity. We also have a National Unity Policy to foster, strengthen and preserve national unity as a prominent agenda to ensure sustained national development.

Why then do we still keep talking about racial differences and social injustice that affects the “oneness” in vision?

Malaysians generally possess a high level of tolerance and cooperation despite diverse cultural identities. However, some politicians from both political divides frequently play the race and religion card thereby creating a wedge. Their calls for equal rights, opportunities and fair treatment never seem to stop despite knowing the existence of Article 153 in the Constitution and differences in cultural traditions.

Malay culture is fundamentally defined by Islam, the Malay language and indigenous customs (adat). Conversely, non-Malay cultures are diverse, encompassing Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, with a stronger emphasis on Confucian values or individual entrepreneurialism.

The diversity is also reflected in politics and it does not inspire unity. This can’t be faulted as it is part of a global trend of polarisation, putting democracy in danger, or is it due to democracy. 

In the west coast states, the call for equal rights, resistance to assimilation or push back against Islamisation is seen as an upset and deviated from the Malay socio-cultural norm. A complete contrast to the east coast states where non-Malay communities had assimilated into the Malay culture and live harmoniously without any fear of a “Green Wave”. We also see assimilation as practised by our Thai and Indonesian neighbours.

A UK former home secretary said, “Multiculturalism makes no demands of the incomer to integrate. It has failed because it allowed people to come to our society and live parallel lives in it. They could be in the society but not of the society”.

Here, we also see parallel lives. Specific neighbourhoods and commercial centres more obviously race-leaning and our education system reflects multipolarity.

These are “social deficits” (language, religion and the urban-rural divide). 

Non-Bumiputeras claimed systemic marginalisation due to the Bumiputeracentric policy of NEP resulting in unequal access to public university, scholarships and government contracts. Take a MRT train ride from Sg Buloh to Putrajaya and see the rate of developments and the result of the so-called ‘marginalisation’.    

Despite the claim, a 2025 World Bank report confirms that 87% of total income inequality is driven by differences within ethnic groups. Only 13% of the national income gap is explained by differences in average income between ethnicities. Our national Gini coefficient was 0.390 in 2024 and the Chinese group recorded the highest intra-ethnic inequality at 0.412 Gini.

Do we want to be like Singapore with wealth inequality stood at 0.55 in 2025 and the richest hold more wealth than the bottom 80% combined? The high cost of living is proving to be expensive even to die.

Inequality is largely driven by unequal access to high-skilled jobs and lower wage growth for low-skilled workers and the World Bank recommended shifting focus from solely inter-ethnic redistributive policies to tackling inequality through investment in human capital, early childhood development and creating higher-skilled jobs for all, regardless of ethnicity.

Let’s not forget, the NEP’s focus was on national stability through wealth redistribution and necessary for long-term peace. It brought stability, social cohesion that leads to efficiency, progress and cultural richness. 

Today, some felt that they are the victims or think they might have been wealthier without the systemic restrictions. But don’t forget the consumer economy we all live in today and helping one segment of society isn’t necessarily hurting another. 

Let’s look at unity in the political context – “unity government” and should we  emulate?

It is still juggling between reform promises and realpolitik. The fragile coalition of former political enemies should focus on delivering reforms and avoid internal conflicts. There seems to be gridlock, perceived weakness and inefficiency, and diluted accountability. 

The Sabah state election was a wake-up call. 

Our forefathers once sat down and prevented conflict. Can we try to sit down again (a family reunion) and decide to act jointly towards a common goal and mutual benefits? Vision 2020 succeeded in creating a shared, long-term national goal that fostered significant development and unity across diverse ethnic groups but we failed to keep the momentum. There must be a sense of grateful belonging by acknowledging the sacrifices and legacy of our forefathers.

Unity is not necessarily uniformity; it is respecting differences while finding common grounds. Acquiescence is definitely not one of them but sincerity, trust and transparency of the leaders are. Differences in opinions, selfish interests, and prejudice can divide but transparency, patriotism, empathy, and a shared vision will preserve unity. Look for common goals and not common enemies. We should seek complementary instead of parallel lives.

Leadership plays a key role. True leaders unite people, not divide, align words with actions and be accountable. Let’s move away from deep-rooted ideology and move towards socio-political environment that is sustainable for the benefit of future generations.

It is not just equality, justice and fairness but also equity and history does not begin from late 19^th century driven by the tin and rubber boom. If need be, let us create history and be mindful of the Constitution and Rukun Negara which is a unified equivalent to the Magna Carta.

Let us be united not just physically but emotionally and socially and the media has a big role to play.

What say you…

 

Saleh Mohammed