Racial politics appears to be too sensitive to be discussed directly even at FEP2024, which saw a host of experts broaching on various issues. — Plus
RACIAL politics, at least in the Malaysian context, remain a sensitive topic to be directly discussed even among the most level-headed of experts.
Understandably, the topic surrounds itself with layers of nerves that are easily prickled by the softest blows of wind. Too many are at stake even if the right words are delivered, but with unsuitable tones; the social fabric can easily be torn despite the greater intention to promote better understanding.
Such is the conundrum and limitations that are taking place. Unfortunately, such was the standing observation during the Economics and Politics Forum 2024 (FEP2024), which earlier highlighted racial politics as among the main topics to be broached upon.
FEP2024 remains to be a successful endeavour between the organiser Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) and strategic partner Universiti Sains Malaysia, although some of the panellists during the first session entitled “Politics, Unity and Nation Building” only managed to “get close” to the topic on racial politics during its question-and-answer session.
The question was raised by a forum participant Dr Chin Yee Mun, from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (Utar) Tan Cheng Lock Centre for Social and Policy Studies.
He asked if the country the country’s nation-building model is heavily slanted towards race and religion, which if it is true, deter efforts to build a truly united nation.
Insap adviser Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad, who was among the panellists, welcomed the question and expressed his disappointment that not many had wanted to raise such a topic.
“Not many people are talking about nation-building. Not since the 14th General Election.
“(But) why (people are not talking about it)? This is because of the political hatred that had been sown. It is too much, unbearable. So much so, that until today, I do not see a (proper) model for nation-building.”
He suggested that the tense political sensitivities as a reason people kept the topic under the lid.
“Until today, nobody is brave enough to talk about ‘negara bangsa’. I do not know exactly why. (Perhaps it is because) those (who want to talk about it) have been labelled as extremists. That is not the way to go.
“Such a model is important to discuss and continue to talk about. Otherwise, our children and grandchildren will have to pay the price in the future.”
The forum had hoped to look into inculcating an understanding of and a higher empathy for the different identities and perspectives within the Malaysian community.
This includes studying historical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors influencing racial politics, as well as identifying challenges and opportunities to foster a sense of belonging and social and national unity against the background of a variety of identities.
Other than Ahmad Masrizal, other panellists in the session were former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, Bersih vice-chairman Assoc Prof Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb and USM political scientist Prof Dr Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid.
It was moderated by USM political scientist Dr Zaharul Abdullah.
For Azmil, the concept of nation-building and “negara bangsa” is difficult to achieve especially when there is a lack of “empathy” between Malaysians.
He calls for Malaysians to engage and get to know each other better.
“We should get to know each other better, regardless of race and religion. For now, in social media for example, we see a gap (in interaction) between Malays and non-Malays, Muslims and non-Muslims.
“This (effort to know one another) should be inculcated from a young age so that we can develop empathy and familiarity.”
Among others, he suggested schools can take the lead by organising trips to learn about the culture and religions in the country.
“Organise trips to places of worship or have leaders from different backgrounds speak at school on the matter. Such efforts are sorely lacking in Malaysia.
“And that is because distrust between Malaysians persists.”
