IF we want to have different results, than it is only appropriate that we try different approaches. Albert Einstein is credited with saying: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”

Since the Barisan Nasional formula was established in the early 1970s, we have gone through the Rukunegara, Vision 2020, Islam Hadhari, 1Malaysia, and now, we witness something new called TN50. While I can guarantee you that I am not an astrologer, I am very certain that under the same mould of ethnic politics, we will never achieve different results.

No nation today can dismiss diversity as a limitation. They do so at their own peril. Whatever may be our identity, the challenge for all of us is to sense the humanity in the “other”. It is only when we respond to this sense of humanity can we empower people to transcend narrow affiliations. Otherwise, it leads only to increasing polarisation, as is so evident in our nation at all levels.

Only when we frame diversity as our strength can all of us feel empowered. We are Malaysians first and everything else second. This is what gives the nation a sense of identity above race and religion, and pulls together our creativeness towards achieving a common goal.

Are any of us less human because we are black, brown, yellow or white in our features? Are we less human because we are Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists or Communists? Despite all these, we share a common blood colour.

This must be the humour that God injected into all who are able to look deeper. We in Malaysia are a race-based society. This is the fact and reality that surround us. We also have to accept the reality that no amount of race-based parties in the government or opposition is going to bring us together.

This political fragmentation is reflected in the present state of our society. It is insane for us to continue down the same road for another generation. When democracy is defined by numbers, one of the quickest ways to champion a cause is to agitate issues relating to religion, race, colour or language.

Bankrupt politicians who do not have a vision for humanity play this game because it provides short-term gains in terms of power, while sacrificing long-term nation-building sustainability. The vast majority of us become victims of such endeavours. Such mediocre politicians then pontificate and preach virtues to the public at large. We lack quality leadership at the highest levels.

We need leadership skills that can provide a vision and a sense of humanity that sees the poor in our nation as poor, and not define them ethnically. In the globalised world of today, we need a vision that can aptly be framed from a view from the moon. Looking down at planet Earth, we represent one Earth, one God, one world, and all of us are human beings.

We have to inspire such a mindset that transcends identity issues related to race, religion, tribal loyalties, colour or class. If we are right and just by the poor and needy in our society, then we will also be just by everyone in our society. The challenge is to bring about a change in our mindset to one that is inclusive and empowering to all, which will work wonders in meeting our goals, be it Vision 2020 or even the Rukunegara.

Honesty requires us to admit that we are chained to ethnicity. This is the reality, but this reality does not need to imprison us. It is in liberating ourselves from this reality that we will find new dimensions and creativity in our regard and concern for the “other”. Religion in Malaysia, which should be above race, seems to also be imprisoned by this malaise.

If we continue down the road of denigrating one another, we give rise to feelings that will burn all of us if nothing is done to deal with the polarisation that is so evident and increasing in our society. Polarised education is an outcome that should alert us to be different in our approach.

We are set in a mould, and this mould determines the outcome. However much perfume, decorations and slogans we add to this mould, the outcome will remain the same. That is why all the great and visionary ideas that have been spelt out in the last 45 years have gone to naught. The same fate will befall TN50.

After 48 years of the New Economic Policy, an apt question to ask is: “Why are Umno Malays still so insecure?”. They seem to always blame DAP and Malaysian Chinese for their state, despite all that has been awarded to them. This entitlement is eventually going to lead such Malays to be akin to the domesticated chicken, and as the late Dato Sopiee once remarked, lead them, eventually, to be unable to even fend for themselves.

The present leadership’s motto, “You help me and I will help you”, seems to be the refrain. This is the motto of the entitlement mentality, and all the component parties in the BN coalition seem happy with it. We have reached a state where all the component parties rely on Umno for their finances.

And yet, they want to continue in this frame and believe that we can get different results. What we do not realise is that the “other” is an important component in our growth and faith. The “other”, in many ways, defines us. If we consider the “other” as less than us, then such a mindset develops arrogance and self-righteousness, and is un-Islamic. As a religious leader once said: “You are as near to God as the one you most dislike.”

However, if we consider the “other” as equal to us in every sense and deserving of justice, then whatever our position may be, the “other” needs to be treated with respect and compassion, and only in this sense can we be true to our faith and teachings. We must believe that as Malaysians, we will help those in need within our nation, irrespective of rules and regulations.

We must have faith in one another, but this faith will not be eschewed under the present political climate and reality. That is why it is important not to give BN another chance. It has had so many chances, and has sold us out and left us a Malaysia that could have been so very much better in so many aspects. The opposition may not be great, but the BN formula does not work, and a different choice gives us possibly a fresh opportunity that we must grasp.

Otherwise, we will be led by the insane to insanity!

* K. Haridas reads The Malaysian Insight.

* 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.