By Lee Kwan Meng and Asma Abdullah
“Malaysia Madani” has all the ingredients for a promising future for everyone in the country.
Its core values are not only Malaysian but also universal for global societies. It has no boundaries and its values fall within the primary values of all beliefs and faiths.
We read and hear about it in our media almost every day. Unfortunately, to the ordinary person on the street, it is merely another slogan by the government of the day, similar to the slogans of past prime ministers and their administrations.
Most people in Malaysia do not understand nor appreciate the word madani itself. Many see it as a religious term not applicable to people of other faiths. Or that it is intended for those in government administration – not for the people. So why bother about it?
Let’s clear the air about madani so that everyone in Malaysia can understand, appreciate and practise it in their daily lives. By doing so, our society will grow more progressive, prosperous and harmonious. Then everybody can live with peace and confidence in their future.
Madani is a Malay word. In English, it means being civic, which is about being courteous. This reflects on other values of respect, empathy, and understanding. So, Malaysia Madani is about Civic Malaysia.
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In the government context, Madani is a Malay acronym for KeMampanan (Sustainabilty), KesejAahteraan (Prosperity), Daya cipta (Innovation), hormat (Respect), KeyakiNan (Trust), and Ihsan (Compassion and Caring). In English, it is Script.
Don’t these core universal values apply to everyone?
If examined carefully and rationally, Madani values can be practised by everyone in Malaysia.
Values such as respect, trust and compassion or caring can bridge our cultural, religious and ethnic divides to make our society more harmonious.
And if we want to become economically strong over the long term, we can apply the values of prosperity, innovation and sustainability.
Madani has been targeted in many sectors, including the economy, finance, legislation, institutions, education, community, culture, and urban and rural regions.
But madani can also apply to other sectors such as sports.
For instance, sustainability is about long-term viability and environmental responsibility in playing sports and its facilities.
Care and compassion could be fostered through inclusive sports programmes for all societal segments and for the wellbeing of the athletes.
Respect would promote fair play, cultural diversity and anti-discrimination policies in sports.
Innovation could incorporate advanced training techniques and technology to enhance performance and engagements.
Prosperity could leverage on sports for economic growth, tourism, job creation and global recognition.
And trust is built by enhancing governance and ethical practices and strengthening confidence in sports institutions.
All we need to do is to internalise the madani values and make them part of our everyday behaviour.
Lee Kwan Meng, PhD is an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Educational Studies in Universiti Putra Malaysia. Asma Abdullah, PhD is a multicultural specialist, trainer and coach.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
