COMMENTARY
The 14th General Election last year has helped to change the country’s look, feel, taste, thoughts and overall image.
The reins of the government have moved from the hands of a man who is now facing numerous charges of corruption, money laundering and criminal breach of trust to that of a sturdy 93-year-old man who has played a pivotal role in our nation’s development.
The turning point was the temperament of the people. Malaysians have changed. They are now less racial. By far and large, we have become anti-bigotry too.
We are now governed by multiracial leaders. Over the years, the people wanted moderation and greater voice and action in many areas. While there are progressive changes in many areas, a lot more need to be done.
Perhaps, with much moderation in thought and deed, the landscape of our beautiful nation Malaysia can be transformed into a paradise for all.
Wikipedia defines moderation as “one of the key principles of life”. While moderation can be regarded as “not being excessive” when doing something, it also refers to a commitment to balance and wholeness, as well as the recognition of every individual’s needs desires, abilities and goals.
Whether or not one would want to be moderately honest, moderately respectful or moderately decisive, such a decision should, perhaps, reflect these words of Oscar Wilde: “Everything ought to be in moderation including moderation itself – moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is a vice.”
Virtues allow us to develop our potential and live a better, more purposeful and extraordinary life. Being honest and trustworthy, intelligent and kind, committed and disciplined, and grateful and respectful are virtues which need not be excessive.
It is such virtues of moderation that made great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela who will always be remembered for their undivided service to mankind.
Moderation must be practised through principles. Discipline and behaviour are the core principles of life. Religion, culture, upbringing and education are critical components that form one’s behaviour.
For instance, religion is good for the soul, but extensive debates on religion will only bring about resentment among the people. Moderation stresses on balance in everything we do in life; criticism of each other’s failures will bring about nothing but despair.
Our culture of tolerance must be emphasised through education right from home and school. The government has done a lot but sadly, their views are divided along ethnic lines.
The current debate on moderation versus extremism reflects this sentiment. Once the debate hinges on religion and ethnic lines, strong emotions are evoked, preventing us from working together as a community of different ethnicities striving to achieve our common goal of turning our country into a high-income nation.
We must educate our children on the need to live, eat, play and work together.
A neighbourhood where people of different ethnicities reside will only be truly multiracial if the residents mingle with one another, visit each other’s homes and help each other – this portrays tolerance and this must be inculcated in our young generation.
Learning begins at home while classrooms can give it a bigger boost.
Malaysia’s strength is its diversity in culture, being neutral in global politics and moderate in her policies.
Many Malaysian businessman like Genting Group founder the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong; Sarawak tycoon Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Su Kuok; Air Asia’s Tan Sri Tony Fernandes; cosmetics millionaire Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, popularly known as Dr Vida; corporate titan Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Shah; and Lotus Group’s Datuk R Doraisingam Pillai are excellent examples of how Malaysians of different races and religions have built their fortune and business in this country.
Rather than focusing on issues deemed sensitive (namely religion, culture, dressing, lifestyle or rituals), let’s focus on innovation and science that will eventually bring about development through change.
Innovation is critical to our development. Malaysia’s growth can be partly attributed to agriculture. The rubber industry’s research activities resulted in higher yield and more products. Tin became a valuable commodity in various sectors too.
We were the leaders in palm oil research that created wealth nationwide. Felda was one of the biggest beneficiaries of such innovations. Innovation is critical to ensure our continued growth and sustainability.
Unfortunately, we still fail to see the urgency in spending more on research and development (R&D).
Our failure in providing the technology and facilities to encourage R&D has led to our younger generation lending their talent and intelligence to other countries, thus indirectly contributing to the growth of those nations instead of Malaysia. Singapore is one the biggest beneficiaries of this.
Every day, countries and communities are being torn apart by differences in religion and beliefs, and lack of tolerance and understanding. In fact, some countries have been destroyed by war and are surrounded by misery and reeking of hatred and intolerance towards their own brothers.
Malaysia is one of the very few countries in the world that can boast a population comprising various ethnicities. It is located in the most strategic geopolitical and economic region and endowed with abundant natural resources and talent.
If we transcend our differences in religion and race, we will achieve only the best. Let us transform thoughts of negativity into ideas of innovation and moderation.
‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ is not just a tag line but our lifeline. Let’s not question as to whether we are moderate or otherwise but let’s practice moderation in word and thought.
This way, our nation will not suffer from the destructive practice of extremism, chauvinism and bigotry. Most Malaysians are moderate and extremely fair, so let’s continuously remain committed to moderation, regardless of our race or religion. – Bernama
Ravindran Raman Kutty is an award-winning communications practitioner and a fellow of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
