EQUALITY can be seen through the prism of several relationships.

Because marriage has existed since the world began, it is a wonderful social framework to explain equal partnerships. After the marriage ceremony, the partnership and teamwork increase in importance because the very union that produced the children is the one to care for and develop them.

Citizenship is another form of equality. Nation states emerged in the last two centuries based on the Human Rights Declaration adopted by all UN members. The basic membership unit of any nation state is a citizen. Therefore, for all who qualify it is an absolute birthright within that nation state.

Once someone becomes a citizen by birth or any other legal means, he becomes an equal member in that nation state so constituted. He is equal to every other member. The United Nations spells out his human rights to vote, speak and act, or eat, live, worship, by all legal means guaranteed by the laws and traditions of that state.

Moreover, in the multiracial, multiethnic and multi religious nation that is ours, these rights have to be managed sensitively so that my rights do not step on yours. Especially the rights of those who are weak, less educated in the mainstream and who cannot defend themselves. In Malaysia this would include the Orang Asli and other tribal groups in Sabah and Sarawak. It also includes all minority faiths.

Race and religion are especially difficult to manage in our nation, or any nation, because they are easy victims of any political process. It is very tempting, and very powerful to say “Since we are of the same religion, if you don’t vote for me you will go to hell,” regardless of my character or ability to contribute to you or our country’s welfare.

We are therefore not quite a Bangsa Malaysia yet in spite of our aspirations for 2020 and our nearing the promised dat. Nevertheless, Dr Mahathir can still deliver a new “Harapan Malaysian Dream”, as an updated Vision 2020, where all Malaysians are seen and viewed as equal partners in the Malaysia experiment, which has become our home.

May 13, 2019 will make the 50th anniversary of when our nation stumbled and where much of her troubles began. My prayer and hope is that the Department of National Unity will review and leverage the real meaning of change for the federal government, and deliver a new agenda to update the original Vision 2020 speech and goals.

That statement must clarify the ongoing challenge of unity and equality in the federation of Malaysia (whether as states or as individual citizens) and why we, in order to achieve excellence, must recognise and affirm the many different ethnicities and religions with different but complementary abilities to one another.

Suhakam report on ‘enforced disappearances’

If what was clearly concluded in the Suhakam report is true, that whole episode raises a critical and important concern. Does each and every Malaysian have freedom of thought or is that only available to some groups of people?

If the findings of the report are correct, I have some important and relevant questions.

1. Is it the responsibility of police to deal with faith-related issues?”

2. If so, when did the police receive the order to police faith-related matters?”

3. If the police are “a royally formed commissioned of agents of the state to monitor and check criminally disallowed matters,” are we crossing new boundaries when the police have now crossed serious barriers?”

4. Why was the royal decree to establish the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission not obeyed?

5. Do we need more studies and inquiries to stop abuse of power and actions that violate the principles of the federal constitution, or is it political will that we lack? – April 7, 2019.

* KJ John worked in public service for 32 years, retired, and started a civil group for which he is chairman of the board. He writes to inform and educate, arguing for integration with integrity in Malaysia. He believes such a transformation has to start with the mind before it sinks into the heart!

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.