I disagree with the Bersatu President, Muhyddin Yassin, who wants the six state general elections to become a referendum against the Anwar unity government.
I see the six state general election as the start of the test whether Malaysia is to race to the bottom to become a divided, failed and rogue state or race to the top to become world champions again and be a role model to the world of inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony.
Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region, must not waste this opportunity for a national reset and return to the original nation-building principles for a plural Malaysia – for such an opportunity is unlikely to present itself for a second time.
This is why the Yang di Pertuan Agong has advised all Malaysians to maintain political stability and restore national unity for Malaysians to be world champions again and to be a role model to the world of inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony.
The Anwar unity government has given Malaysians an unique opportunity to reset and return to the original nation-building principles for a plural Malaysia – constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy, separation of powers, rule of law, an independent judiciary, Islam as the official religion and freedom of religion for all faiths in the country, good governance, public integrity with minimum corruption, a clean and honest government, meritocracy, respect for human rights, an end to the various injustices and inequalities in the country, a world-class economic, educational, health and social system, and national unity, understanding, and harmony from our multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multi-cultural diversity.
Do we continue to quarrel among ourselves and allow irresponsible and dishonest politicians to polarise race and religious relations in the county with lies, falsehoods and fake news that a race or a religion is on the verge of elimination by other races and religions or do we wake up to the reality that “Time and Tide waits for No Man” and that the real battle for Malaysians is not with themselves, but with the world?
Do Malaysians continue to migrate overseas to make other nations great or do we unite and ensure that there is political stability to make Malaysia great?
When the Cold War ended, Fukuyama came up with the theory of the “End of History”, the end of wars and tragedies and beginning of a new era for the world free of threats.
This proved illusory as more wars and regional conflicts exploded, threatening international peace and security.
Can Malaysia contribute to world peace and harmony to prevent a clash of civilisations?
I believe Malaysia, the confluence of four great civilisations, can do so.
But Malaysians must first re-unite and ensure that there is political stability in the country.