Unity In Diversity: Malaysia's 'Wow Factor' To Achieve Greatness

By Shaidathul Suhana Ros

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is currently celebrating National Month in honour of National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16 with the Jalur Gemilang proudly flying all across the country.

Throughout this month, the patriotic spirit of approximately 34 million people will culminate, showcasing the solidarity of Malaysia’s diverse communities in celebrating the formation of a sovereign nation.

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Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) National and Social Welfare Research Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid said unity is a fundamental pillar for a country's development, encompassing various aspects including the economy.

“Unity is the ‘wow factor’ for a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia, which is home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sikhs, the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak and the Orang Asli. This ‘wow factor’ should be promoted on the global stage as a key image of our nation.

“The Unity Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could use the Bangsa Johor concept, popularised by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia as a guide to ensure that unity and solidarity among the people remain steadfast, not just during the National Month,” he told Bernama during a recent visit to UTM.

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Mohd Azhar, who is also a senior lecturer at the School of Human Resource Development and Psychology under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at UTM, noted that the Bangsa Johor concept is unique because it fosters unity and cohesion between the highest leader and the people.

“This idea has been implemented by state leaders to help Johor forge ahead, particularly in areas such as the economy, education, infrastructure and more. The concept encompasses sociological, historical, and cultural meanings, uniting the thoughts and spirits of people from various ethnic backgrounds to live in peace, harmony and prosperity.

“What makes the Bangsa Johor concept, introduced 129 years ago, distinctive is that it does not promote factions among the people but instead emphasises the spirit of brotherhood and unity, aligning with the national motto ‘Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu’ (Unity is Strength),” he said.

He added that Sultan Ibrahim is the ideal figure to ensure that unity among the people continues to thrive, thus driving Malaysia's growth as a developed and prosperous nation, especially in the coming five years.

“In the context of Malaysia, maintaining national harmony and stability is crucial to positively impact economic development through foreign investment. Unity is a living concept that must be meaningful in terms of implementation and practice,” he added.

“Unity must be demonstrated fairly and equitably to the diverse ethnic groups and seen by the people as a serious and genuine commitment by the government. At the same time, the people are also responsible for building their own identity as Malaysians first, rather than prioritising their ethnic background,” he said.

Mohd Azhar added that Sultan Ibrahim began his administration on a positive note by instructing politicians to emphasise unity and stability while avoiding actions that could undermine national unity when opening Parliament in February.

“As the head of state, His Majesty could organise a national programme similar to Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ), involving all 14 states. Such a programme not only strengthens the relationship between the monarchy and the people but also fosters unity among diverse ethnic groups, religions and political beliefs.

“Furthermore, His Majesty could also support various dialogue and discourse programmes themed around racial unity to reduce segregation and gaps between communities in various aspects of daily life,” he said.

KMJ, inspired by Sultan Ibrahim in 2001 when he was the Tunku Mahkota Johor, aims to engage with the rakyat and has since become one of Johor's major annual events, thereby strengthening the connection between the Johor Royal Family and the people.

-- BERNAMA