EQUAL access to education is crucial for the country to progress. Education teaches a person skills essential to daily living, social norms, judgment and reasoning, and how to discern right from wrong. The ultimate goal of education is to help an person navigate life and contribute to society once they become older. Education also helps to eradicate poverty and hunger.

Education is a basic human right. The right to education is rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR affirms that education is a fundamental human right for everyone.

We must accept the fact that times have changed. The world is becoming smaller, and people around the world are more connected to one another. As such, there are outdated policies and laws on education that need to be reviewed so that we can face new realities and challenges.

Proposals to open up universities or their programmes to all people, regardless of their background, should be viewed as positive step to strengthen the quality of education and protect the interests of the nation. Instead of being sceptical or suspicious of the proposal, it should be received with an open heart and mind. One thing is certain: there are many benefits to allowing universities and their programmes to be open to everyone. Students would be able to mix with their peers from other communities and different backgrounds, allowing for the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and experiences. In the end, this will raise the quality of the students and enhance their confidence, social skills and ability to live in a multiracial society. The benefits also extend to the university, which will become more respected in the eyes of the world. The university will be able to grow its reputation and attract more students.

Malaysians should be proud of the multiracial society in which they live. Malaysia was founded on the principle that people with different cultures, religions, and backgrounds can coexist in a peaceful and democratic society. From big cities to small towns and rural areas, racial and cultural diversity is omnipresent in our country. Everybody must accept the reality that Malaysia is a multiracial country. As a multiracial country, mutual respect and tolerance are crucial. Without mutual respect and tolerance, Malaysia will certainly be heading towards destruction. It is very important for everybody to set aside any differences they might have and work together to ensure the progress of our country. Malaysians should be grateful that their society is multiracial. A multiracial society enables everybody to know each other, help each other, and improve themselves to become better people.

Islam also encourages the spirit of multiracialism and multiculturalism. That is clear in the Quran, where Allah said, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” (Surah Al-Hujurat: 13). From this verse, it is clear that God has created human beings of different races so that we can know one another in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, not hatred and conflict. There are various benefits we can gain by living in a multiracial or multicultural society. One of the major benefits is that the cultural exchange of ideas, values, and habits can help people raise their quality of life.

We need one another if we are to succeed and make our country great. Instead of arguing or creating borders, people must learn to cooperate so that we can live in peace and enjoy prosperity. Malaysia is a multiracial country and will continue to be a multiracial society. Multiracialism and multiculturalism are fundamental facets of Malaysian society. Even before we gained our independence in 1957, Malaysian society consisted of different races. This historical fact is undeniable. Following the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the number of races and ethnicities in the country increased significantly. As a multiracial country, conflict and misunderstanding can easily arise if we are not respectful towards each other. As such, it is important for everybody to practise mutual respect and tolerance. We can create many laws, rules, and regulations to force everybody to live in peace and harmony; however, it would be much better if everybody were to make the effort to create a peaceful and harmonious society without being forced to do so through legislation. – June 27, 2024.

* Muzaffar Syah Mallow is associate professor at faculty of shariah and law, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

* 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.