Bangsa Malaysia: Myth or reality?

RECENTLY, I attended the book launch event titled "Harmony and Humanity: Insights & Experiences," organised by the Malaysian Harmony Promotion Association at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS) Malaysia.

My article, titled "The Unity We Aspire For, the Harmony We Long For," was published as one of the chapters in this launched book.

In my piece, I stressed the crucial importance of uniting the people, especially to maintain harmony and prevent conflicts.

This book comprises 20 chapters, with authors including Brigadier General (Retired) Datuk Richard Robless Tan Sri Dr Syed Jalaludin Syed Salim and Datuk Seri (Dr) Anwar Fazal, among others, including myself.

The book launch event also featured a discussion on the topic of "Bangsa Malaysia: Myth or Reality."

One of the panelists for the day was my friend, Prof Dr Syed Muhammad Khairudin Aljunied, a professor at the University of Malaya.

He suggested that Malaysians do not actually need the "Bangsa Malaysia" ideology but should instead use it as a foundation to construct a national narrative.

He proposed that cosmopolitanism is truly needed, achieved by empowering the youth to understand that the most fundamental identity is being a morally responsible human being towards others, regardless of their religion or nationality.

He further stated, "We can be cosmopolitan enough to accept that everyone is different, everyone has the right to be a Malaysian in their own way, but at the same time, work for the betterment of Malaysia."

This approach can indirectly lead to the development of a new mindset, where communities, ethnicities, and religions can come together.

Prof Khairudin also said, "The problem arises when we highlight differences rather than similarities."

Discussing the idea that Malaysians bear the responsibility for the kind of leaders they elect to power, Khairudin emphasised that politicians do not emerge from thin air but are shaped by their families and communities.

He stated that politicians are the product of our society, influenced by our attitudes, worldviews, cultures, customs, and education.

As a result, he stressed that families must teach their children to respect all ethnic groups and other members of society, and this process should start with conversations at the dinner table.

Malaysian Youth Movement of Islam (ABIM) President Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz and one of the panelists in the discussion, responded to a question about whether politicians should be blamed when tensions arise among ethnic groups in Malaysia.

He argued that it is unfair to place the blame solely on politicians when it comes to national unity and that Malaysians need to play their part as well.

He noted that Malaysians do not actually need the "Bangsa Malaysia" ideology but should use it as a basis for building a national narrative. Faisal also mentioned that not everything is determined by politicians and pointed out that Malaysians had transcended politics by helping each other during the Covid-19 pandemic, as demonstrated by the "#kitajagakita" (we take care of each other) slogan.

He suggested that Malaysians need to embrace diverse identities, including "Bangsa Malaysia," to reduce the focus on identity-based politics.

In addition to Prof Syed Khairudin Aljunied and Muhammad Faisal, the panel discussion included Prof Wong Chin Huat, who is also a columnist for this Sinar and Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas.

The book launch event was graced by the Minister of National Unity, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang.

During his speech, he acknowledged that toxic ethnic politics played by politicians, especially during or near elections, is a major challenge in realising "Bangsa Malaysia" as a reality. He highlighted the need for political will to address this issue.

In conclusion, while some may condemn the efforts to harmonise Malaysia through the concept of "Bangsa Malaysia" as a myth, many also support the notion that "Bangsa Malaysia" is a crucial national aspiration and an ongoing project that must continue.

We hope that Malaysia continues to thrive, prosper, and remain harmonious.

Datuk Dr Anis Yusal Yusoff is the University of Malaya UM LEAD Director. He is also a Senior Fellow at KITA, UKM, and has previously served as the Malaysian Integrity Institute President and the JPM's GIACC Deputy Director-General