Thursday November 20, 2008
Nazrin warns of dangers in rejecting diversity
By SHAHANAAZ HABIB
PETALING JAYA: Multicultural societies are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception in the world but people are failing to create a sense of community in such societies, Raja Nazrin said.
“Contrary to the rhetoric, however, it is not becoming a source of strength. Instead race, culture and religion have become the dominant discourse,” the Perak Raja Muda said.
He said if the world continued on its present path, “great dangers lie ahead,” he said.
He said this in his address at the Diversity Matters Forum on Diaspora in the Commonwealth at Monash University’s Sunway campus here yesterday.
Raja Nazrin cautioned that society must avoid falling into a new and destructive form of “modern-day tribalism.”
“Nothing is inevitable. Cultures can cooperate as much as clash,” he said in calling for the rejection of radicalism and extremism of all types.
“If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion,” he added.
Malaysia was a prime example of how a diaspora of Chinese, Indian and other races led to the creation of a more heterogeneous and prosperous state, Raja Nazrin said.
He noted that a pluralistic society was one that not only tolerated but also appreciated and encouraged the active participation of those of different races, cultures and lifestyles.
Raja Nazrin also said the principles of equality and fairness suggest a preferred policy of integration rather than assimilation.
“Integration accepts and enlists; it does not coerce. It respects and values differences as legitimate. Assimilation, on the other hand, seeks to change language, customs, religions and even world views,” he said.
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