Acting for the good of the nation

G25 HAS often been labelled by its critics as “liberal”, a word which is becoming a derogatory term in Malaysia to describe Muslims who believe in the universal values of democracy, human rights, gender equality and respect for multiculturalism and diversity. It is a word which has been abused by the religious authorities and extremists to demonise those who have different opinions on matters of race, religion and politics.

We, the members of G25, would like to remind our critics that in the Rukunegara, the word “liberal” has pride of place in the five principles of the national ideology aimed at bringing the various races together for national unity and development. The preamble to the Rukunegara states that one of Malaysia’s aims is: “Menjamin satu cara yang liberal terhadap tradisi-tradisi kebudayaannya yang kaya dan berbagai corak”. In the English version, it is translated as: “Guaranteeing a liberal approach towards her rich and varied cultural traditions”. Note that the word “liberal” is used in both versions in the context of something positive and beneficial to our ambitions of becoming a united, happy and prosperous country.