HEARTIEST congratulations, Aaron Ago Dagang on your appointment as national unity minister. 

I trust that your leadership will be of great value to the country. You and your team are tasked with revivifying a spirit of togetherness in a nation that has, post-general election, seen immense polarisation that exceeded the already existent divide among Malaysians. 

The ministry has to address the scars of British socio-economic segregation of Malayans and the  lacerations of the events of May 1969. The ever-deepening wound of national disharmony worsened by dangerous political rhetoric will render efforts to foster unity utterly futile, potentially bringing Malaysians to a place of no return.  

The circulation of videos on TikTok, which romanticised May 1969 sentiments and weaponised the threat of a sequel to intimidate Malaysians is indicative of the severe crisis of disharmony facing Malaysia and must be swiftly addressed. 

There continues to be a feeling of dissatisfaction among Malaysians over the preservation of their interests stoked by provocation. This appears to result from the fact that Malaysians have competing visions for the sort of culture they wish to see facilitated in Malaysia. This is only natural for a healthy democracy. 

The problem arises when the rhetoric that is used to communicate the different interests, be it racial or religious, of Malaysians provokes sensitivities, causing conflict. What we see is slandering among ethnic groups, who accuse one another  of undermining their interests, which incites these groups to escalate tensions. This culture is often hijacked by irresponsible politicians who exploit it i to gain support from the voters. 

Malaysian ethnic groups who, innocently enough, wish to have their interests preserved and discussed in a democratic setting, are instead lead into perpetual conflict because of the persistent misunderstandings among themselves. 

This culture is inherited by the youth. Given that the youth are a significant component of the electorate, who themselves have particular interests, there must be efforts to ensure that the way in which these interests are communicated does not exacerbate tensions. 

Political discourse is unavoidable and if left unaddressed will intensify the ethnic divide.  The National Unity Ministry, if it wishes to end generational racial disharmony, must ensure that it facilitates a culture among Malaysians that invites discourse but is also simultaneously sensitive to all interests. 

This ought to be addressed at the educational level where ethnic groups such as the Indians and the Chinese are reminded of the national identity of the nation and are invited to voice their respective racial, religious and cultural interests whilst remaining sensitive towards the interests of Malay ethnic groups. 

This would bring about a culture that encourages Malaysians to be more open with one another which allows for non-confrontational and friendly conversation, improving relations and most important of all, peaceful cohabitation.

Allow me to reinforce my suggestions:

Develop a dynamic relationship with the Education Ministry to formulate policies that facilitate conflict-free political discussion in schools while adhering to a civic curriculum that educates the students on the interests of all ethnic groups;

Collaborate with the Communications and Digital Ministry to develop content that promotes national unity for social media; and

Facilitate discussion forums designed to dissuade dangerous racial rhetoric and politicking.

The National Unity Ministry has historically performed well, curtailing threats to racial harmony by developing plans to develop a culture and national identity that is united. The efforts of the ministry will be crucial for the future of Malaysia. – December 15, 2022.

* Pravin Periasamy 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.