The 15th Parliament should realize Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman’s aspiration for Malaysia to be “a beacon of light in a difficult and distracted world” by being a role model to the world for inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony.
Malaysia is best placed to play this role as we are a Muslim-majority nation at the confluence of four great civilisations – Malay/Islamic, Chinese, Indian and Western.
Of the 55 Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) countries, only four countries have a majority of Muslims of less than 65% — Malaysia, Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
I believe Malaysia is more qualified, compared to the other three countries, to be a role model for the world for inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisational dialogue, understanding, tolerance, and harmony.
According to the 2020 Population and Housing Census, 63.5 percent of the population practices Islam; 18.7 percent Buddhism; 9.1 percent Christianity; 6.1 percent Hinduism; and 2.7 percent other religion or gave no information.
We are a nation of many ethnicities – chiefly Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan and Dayaks.
Malaysians regardless of race, religion or region are celebrating Hari Raya Aildilfitri.
The large multi-ethnic and multi-religious crowds at Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open Houses, whether of royalty, political leaders or the ordinary people, is proof of the solidarity and open-mindedness among the people of Malaysia – an indication that Malaysians on the ground have not given up the idea of a united Bangsa Malaysia, although the creator of Vision 2020 and the Bangsa Malaysia concepts have repudiated the ideas.
The authorities must now take one step further – from inculcating the five principles of Rukun Negara in schools to instilling Rukun Negara principles among the Malaysian society at large, as in forming Rukun Negara clubs in Malaysian communities all over the country.
The first step, however, is a motion in Parliament in the May/June meeting of Parliament expressing support of the Tunku Abdul Rahman’s aspiration to be “a beacon of light in difficult and distracted world” and to consider ways to priomote Malaysia as a role model to the world for inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue.
Michelle Yeoh’s winning of an Oscar and the selection of Amanda Nell Eu’s film, “Tiger Stripes” for the 62nd Semaine de la Critique Cannes 2023 are evidence that Malaysians are capable of world-class standards and achievements.
Let all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or region look up to Michelle Yeoh and Amanda Euj as models in the Malaysian Dream for Malaysia to accomplish Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman’s aspiration to be “a beacon of light in a difficult and distracted world”.
Let us revive the Thomas Cup spirit of the fifties and sixties to show that Malaysians can be world champions.