DAY by day, we witness issues of race and religion being repeatedly played up and manipulated, threatening the harmony of our nation. These matters, often fuelled by political agendas, social media rhetoric, and sensationalist narratives, serve only to divide us further. While racial and religious differences have always been a part of Malaysia’s social fabric, it is deeply concerning that instead of moving towards greater unity, we seem to be regressing.
Located near the equator, Malaysia is a beautiful and resource-rich country, free from war and blessed with peace. More importantly, it is a nation built on diversity—where Malays, Chinese, Indians, and the many indigenous communities have coexisted for generations. Our multiracialism is not a weakness but a defining strength. Yet, we continue to allow racial and religious tensions to dominate our national discourse, hindering our progress as a united nation. Malaysia has enormous potential, but racial and religious discord should not be among the challenges that hold us back.
Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has been led by ten different Prime Ministers, each entrusted with fostering national unity. Despite decades of leadership, these sensitive issues remain unresolved. If anything, racial and religious divisions have become more pronounced than before. What was once a society that prided itself on peaceful coexistence now faces growing polarisation, exacerbated by inflammatory rhetoric and a lack of mutual understanding.
One issue inevitably leads to another and attempts to address grievances often leave certain parties dissatisfied. This never-ending cycle of discord only deepens divisions, making it harder for us to move forward as one nation. Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumed by these conflicts on a daily basis, we should instead embrace our differences, learn to tolerate one another, and foster a spirit of respect and acceptance.
A clear example of the rising racial and religious tension is the surge of provocative and insensitive remarks on social media, where platforms have become battlegrounds for hate speech, misinformation, and divisive narratives. Controversies surrounding places of worship, vernacular education, and inflammatory statements have further widened the gap between communities.
This growing intolerance is not only alarming but also detrimental to the social fabric that binds Malaysia together. Instead of strengthening our multicultural society, such divisions erode the very foundation upon which Malaysia was built.
As Malaysia assumes the role of Chair of Asean, we must lead by example. Asean is a region built on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and religions.
As the chair, Malaysia should set the standard by demonstrating how a multiracial, multi-religious country can thrive in unity and inclusivity. If we allow racial and religious discord to overshadow our leadership, what message does that send to our regional neighbours? We must show that diversity is not a source of weakness but a pillar of strength—one that fosters social stability, economic progress, and international credibility.
Additionally, with Visit Malaysia 2026 set to take place next year, it is crucial that we do not allow racial and religious tensions to overshadow this much-anticipated event. As we prepare to welcome visitors from all over the world, Malaysia must present itself as a nation of peace, hospitality, and harmony. Our multiracial identity is a key attraction, and the success of this campaign depends on a united Malaysia, not one marred by internal divisions. Let us not allow unnecessary conflicts to tarnish our global image and hinder the opportunities that lie ahead.
Let us be fair and reasonable. Every Malaysian understands the limits of respect and what it means to offend others, yet we continue to push these boundaries—sometimes intentionally, sometimes out of ignorance. This should not be the case. Harmony should not require repeated reminders or external intervention; it should be an ingrained part of our national identity.
I still remember the day when Datuk Lee Chong Wei was in the final of the Olympics. All Malaysians, regardless of race or background, stood together, cheering in unison, sharing both the joy of victory and the heartbreak of defeat. The same spirit shines through in football, badminton, and every sporting event where we rally behind our athletes as one. In those moments, we are not Malay, Chinese, Indian, or any other ethnicity—we are simply Malaysians. That is the spirit of Malaysia. That’s our pride.
We must remember the sacrifices of our great-grandparents, our grandparents, and our parents who fought for this country. Their struggles, resilience, and unity laid the foundation for the peaceful, harmonious Malaysia we cherish today. From the fight for independence to the hard work of building a nation from the ground up, every generation before us has played a role in shaping Malaysia into what it is today. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten, nor should we allow their efforts to be undone by division and discord.
We should not allow certain individuals to use these sensitive issues to split the unity we have. The peace and harmony we enjoy today should not be taken for granted or sacrificed for the agendas of a few. It is up to us to reject those who seek to divide us and to stand firm in our commitment to unity.
If there was ever a moment that proved how much Malaysians depend on one another, it was during the Covid-19 crisis. When the pandemic struck, it did not discriminate based on race or religion. Malaysians, regardless of background, came together to support one another. Volunteers provided food aid, communities organised relief efforts, and people stood in solidarity during one of the country’s most challenging periods. It should not take another crisis to remind us of the importance of unity.
I urge my fellow Malaysians to uphold the Negaraku spirit. Let us respect one another, embrace our diversity, and live in harmony rather than being divided by racial and religious differences. We owe it not only to ourselves but to future generations to build a Malaysia that thrives on unity, understanding, and mutual respect. The choice is in our hands. – March 7, 2025
R. Yuneswaran is the Member of Parliament for Segamat and secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM) for racial and religious harmony.