Living together in peace and harmony should not be a matter dictated by constitutional rights or legal provisions. It is a fundamental part of our human condition.
As human beings, we do not require validation of our humanity through mechanical or legal processes. The simple fact of being born human, living as humans and eventually dying as humans is enough. Our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and failures, are shared experiences that transcend artificial divisions.
The essence of being human does not require instruction. It is understood instinctively through the universal expressions of laughter and tears and the happiness in meeting a friend.
No border control officer, no government agency and no authority requires proof of our humanness. One may be asked to verify physical traits like eye colour or other biometric identifiers for administrative purposes. But there exists no scientific test to determine whether one is truly human.
This reality should remind us that the artificial classifications imposed on us -race, creed, nationality – are mere constructs that do not define our intrinsic worth as human beings.
Yet, these divisions persist in our societies. They are not born of necessity but imposed by those who seek to control others and exploit resources for personal or political gain.
The categorisation of individuals based on ethnicity, religion or language is often a tool. It may be used to consolidate power, exclude certain groups from opportunities, and misappropriate wealth. Or, as we have seen in Malaysia in recent months, to legitimise corruption.
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Such divisions stem from the lowest of human impulses – hatred and greed.
What is often ignored is that diversity adds to the wealth of a nation and its prosperity as no other asset or resource can. The differences among us -cultural, religious, linguistic – enrich our collective experiences. It also fosters creativity, innovation and resilience.
A truly progressive society recognises that its strength lies in its diversity.
Politicians who exploit these differences to keep people apart betray the trust they hold and the oath they take to develop the country. Diversity and differences are real assets that would be criminal for those in power not to recognise and nurture.
In recent months, we have seen the destructive rhetoric of division and hatred intensify in Malaysia. Those who wield such rhetoric seek to drive a wedge between communities at the very moments that should bring us together -birth, marriage, death and shared celebrations. Instead of recognising these as occasions for unity, they use them to deepen fractures in society.
We must resist these efforts to divide us. Ethnic, religious and linguistic differences should never determine a person’s rights or their access to public services.
The true test of a nation’s unity is not in its legal framework but in the hearts and minds of its people.
Most worrying, however, are the relentless attempts – mainly by politicians – to win the hearts and minds of the majority through the rhetoric of hate. These quarters harp on imagined threats from the minority to maintain their grip on power. A small minority of religious converts even think it is sport to insult their original religion.
If we believe in the common thread of humanity that binds us all, then we must act to uphold it. We must reject the politics of division and reaffirm that our place in society is not dictated by imposed labels but by our shared human experience.
Only by embracing this truth can we build a nation that is truly united – not just in law but in spirit.
If divisive attempts from certain quarters are not stopped, they will take root and ultimately lead to conflicts like those in Gaza and in other parts of the world. Such conflicts and strife result in the destruction of people and property and displace others.
We must recognise the warning signs and act before it is too late.
- 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
Thanks for the timely reminder Kumar, that we are all bound by the common thread of humanity and have a duty and responsibility to make this world a better place – even in Australia where the war in Gaza has fuelled islamaphobia and anti-semitism not to mention the fact that we are struggling to reconcile ourselves with our aboriginal forbears. We are disappointed that for political gain our PM is now committing our troops to maintain the rage in Ukraine. To borrow a line from Peter, Paul and Mary`s song about the all the flowers gone: When will they ever learn?
Shalom,
Zyx
>>”The artificial classifications imposed on us -race, creed, nationality – are mere constructs that do not define our intrinsic worth as human beings.”
Perhaps it is part of human nature to cling to labels based on “race, creed, nationality.” At any rate people are often manipulated into clinging to such labels.
Often this is presented as taking “pride” in one’s group or one’s heritage – and then the damage can proceed from there.
But even the seemingly benign calls to “celebrate diversity” pre-suppose the validity of “constructs that do not define our intrinsic worth as human beings.”
Paradoxical?
The essence of truth and being pragmatic.