FESTIVE SEASON A TIME TO STRENGTHEN UNITY

Despite occasional incidents that challenge unity, Malaysians remain steadfastly united as evident during both disasters and festive celebrations.

The festive seasons, in particular, serve as a unifying force, strengthening relationships within the multiracial community while celebrating the cultural diversity that defines the nation’s identity.

This is a time for Malaysians to strengthen the bonds of friendship forged over the years, enabling them to overcome various local and global challenges together.

However, it takes two hands to clap. Similarly, unity requires every member of society to play their role and be willing to reject prejudice and embrace diversity with an open heart.

EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY

Describing unity as fragile and easily unravelled by prolonged distrust, political analyst Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said strengthening it requires the active participation of all parties at every level.

Political analyst and Universiti Utara Malaysia deputy vice-chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs), Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed.

The deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) of Universiti Utara Malaysia said if the elements that support unity are not properly nurtured, the country will struggle to achieve peace, making it difficult for the government to focus on national development and ultimately denying the people their right to a prosperous life.

“Fostering mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity within our country is crucial in ensuring and strengthening unity,” he told Bernama recently.

He noted that this aspect was particularly evident during this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri as Chinese and Indian artistes too took to singing Hari Raya songs.

“It added to the festive atmosphere, further igniting the spirit of racial unity in the country,” he said.

He added that the practice of visiting each other’s homes, regardless of race and religion, is not only observed during Hari Raya Aidilfitri but also during Deepavali, Chinese New Year and other festivals.

FOUNDATION OF POLITICAL STABILITY

Pointing to the people’s readiness to assist during crises, regardless of racial boundaries, Ahmad Martadha said this reflects the deep interdependence within Malaysian society.

Tolerance, mutual respect and appreciation between communities need to be nurtured from a young age

“Even the smallest gestures can have a significant impact on unity. For example, when a person leaves for their hometown to celebrate a festival, neighbours of other ethnicities keep an eye on their homes.

“Exchanging festive dishes and gifts not only deepens our understanding and respect for different cultures but also serves as a symbol of unity.

“This is what we must instill into our younger generation in order to ensure these relationships remain strong. This spirit must serve as the foundation for strengthening national unity, which is crucial for achieving developed nation status as it directly contributes to political stability and economic progress,” he said.

Believing that unity has been the crux of Malaysia’s success since independence, Ahmad Martadha said instability in other regions, such as Africa, South America and Europe, has led to political turmoil and ethnic conflicts, sometimes escalating into war.

“This results in prolonged conflict, leaving these nations in chaos with deteriorating economies, forcing many citizens to flee or migrate elsewhere,” he said, adding such situations should serve as a lesson for Malaysians to appreciate the peace and development the country enjoys today.

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL ETHOS

Sharing his views, Associate Prof Dr Hairol Anuar Mak Din, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Universiti Islam Selangor, said Malaysia’s “year-round” festive celebrations, which also attract tourists, are a highlight of the nation.

Associate Prof Dr Hairol Anuar Mak Din, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Universiti Islam Selangor.

“From December (last year) to this April, we celebrated various festivals – Christmas, Chinese New Year and now Hari Raya Aidilfitri. These celebrations are not only observed by certain ethnic groups but are joyfully embraced by all Malaysians.

“It is also no longer uncommon for non-Muslims to fast (during Ramadan), not out of obligation but because the ‘fasting vibe’ has become a part of Malaysia’s culture. Ramadan bazaars too attract people of all backgrounds,” he said.

Hairol Anuar also touched on the acronym E. P. E. D, which stands for ethnocentrism, where some individuals overly prioritise their own ethnic group while looking down on others; prejudice, where people favour their own group even when it contradicts the law; extremism, which involves irrational and extreme attitudes toward other ethnicities; and discrimination, which involves unjust treatment of other groups, denying them basic human dignity.

“This E. P. E. D ‘disease’ is deliberately being magnified, especially on social media. It must be curbed by highlighting the beautiful moments of unity (that can be seen) among Malaysians,” he said.

Kids are the happiest group during festive seasons because they get to celebrate by playing with fireworks alongside neighbors from various races

Stressing that national ethos must be strengthened, he said the Ministry of Education’s move to mandate the wearing of the Jalur Gemilang badge starting April 21 is a timely initiative as it will foster patriotism among school students.

“Hopefully, this step will ignite a greater love for the country and remind everyone that, despite our differences in race and religion, we share the same nation and our responsibility towards it must come first.

“Apart from that, the enforcement of restrictions on 3R (royalty, religion and race) issues should be clarified. This is because these restrictions are not about suppressing fundamental freedoms, as some claim, but rather about protecting the majority of Malaysians who value peace, unity and stability,” he said.