M Santhananaban
Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest-serving prime minister, recently admitted he had failed to unite the ethnic Malays.
Notably, he appeared to say little about uniting the people of Malaysia as a whole.
That omission matters, as he seems to have overlooked the broader question of national unity. Building a strong, united and resilient nation would benefit everyone, including the majority Malay community.
Greater harmony and understanding among the country’s multi-ethnic communities would help secure peace, prosperity and stability. It would foster goodwill and a deeper sense of belonging that is so essential for lasting peace and progress.
Sabah and Sarawak are perhaps the finest examples in Malaysia of this unique depth of understanding, peace and belonging. Our leaders would do well to look to these two territories and prioritise the need to foster greater peace, understanding and mutual trust among the people.
Love and the lofty ideals of peace and national harmony should be the foundation of the nation’s education policy.
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We must learn to live, work together and remain united to foster love and loyalty to the nation rather than to any single community.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
- 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
