How our identity as Malaysians can be linked to mental well-being

Our identity as Malaysians should also be a source of psychological strength, a wellspring of unity that can carry us through future challenges. — Rawpixel

As Malaysia celebrates its 67th year of Independence with the theme “Jiwa Merdeka”, we are reminded that the essence of our nation is not merely in the grandeur of our celebrations, but also in the deep and enduring connection we share as Malaysians.

National identity is more than a concept.

It is the heartbeat of our collective spirit – the soul that binds us together across diverse cultures, languages and beliefs.

As we celebrate our shared heritage, it is crucial to reflect on how our national identity shapes our unity and mental well-being.

Defining ‘us’

A positive national identity fosters social cohesion, instils pride, and gives individuals a purpose transcending personal ambition.

For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, countries like New Zealand, under the leadership of Jacinda Ardern, emphasised a collective national identity to unite the population in their fight against the virus.

The slogan “team of five million” encouraged New Zealanders to see themselves as part of a more significant national effort, which helped control the spread of the virus and provided a sense of solidarity and collective resilience.

This collective identity can alleviate feelings of isolation and anxiety, promoting mental well-being.

In Malaysia, we also saw how our national identity became a beacon of hope and solidarity during the pandemic.

The phrase “Kita Jaga Kita” resonated across the nation, reminding us that in our unity, we find strength.

This sense of collective responsibility helped manage the crisis and played a crucial role in maintaining our mental well- being.

The knowledge that we are part of something greater – a nation united in its diversity – offers comfort and a sense of purpose that can protect against the despair of isolation and fear.

However, the relationship between national identity and mental health is not always positive.

A rigid or exclusionary national identity can lead to marginalisation, discrimination and mental health challenges for those who do not fit the dominant national narrative.

For example, in post-Brexit Britain, the rise of nationalist sentiments has led to increased xenophobia and racism, particularly against immigrants and ethnic minorities.

This has caused severe psychological distress and a sense of alienation among minority communities.

In recent months, in the name of British national identity, xenophobia has raised its ugly head in the form of hate crimes against selected minority groups.

Closer to home, in one of the countries in our region, people have faced extreme persecution, partly due to their exclusion from the national identity as defined by their government.

The denial of citizenship and fundamental rights has not only led to a humanitarian crisis, but has also inflicted profound psychological trauma on them, many of whom suffer from severe mental health issues due to the violence and displacement they have endured.

Positives and negatives

The recent Olympics provided a powerful illustration of the dual nature of national identity, showcasing its ability to unite, and unfortunately, its potential to divide.

On the one hand, Malaysians from all walks of life came together with a collective sense of pride and support for our athletes, embodying the best aspects of our national identity.

This shared enthusiasm transcended ethnic, cultural and religious differences, reminding us of the deep sense of solidarity that unites us as a nation.

It was a moment where we, as Malaysians, celebrated our athletes’ dedication and perseverance, and through them, we found a renewed sense of national pride.

However, this same sense of national identity also revealed a darker side.

When Japanese cyclist Shinji Nakano accidentally knocked Malaysian cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom out of bronze contention for the Olympics men’s keirin competition, the outpouring of anger and vitriol online was disheartening.

Instead of channelling our national pride positively, some individuals resorted to attacking the Japanese athlete, blaming him for what was, in reality, an unfortunate and unintended incident.

This reaction underscores how, when intertwined with extreme emotions, national identity can sometimes lead to divisive and harmful behaviour.

It reminds us that while national identity can be a source of strength, it must be tempered with empathy, fairness and respect for others.

National pride should never come at the expense of our shared humanity.

Including all Malaysians

As Malaysia celebrates our unity, we must also confront the challenges that threaten it.

A national identity that excludes or marginalises certain groups can become a source of deep psychological harm.

The mental health impact of feeling excluded from the national narrative is profound, leading to feelings of alienation, anxiety and depression.

While we have made great strides in promoting unity, we must remain vigilant against the forces of division.

The tragic memory of May 13, 1969, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing ethnic and religious tensions to overshadow our shared identity.

Much has been done to heal those wounds, but the scars remain.

Therefore, we must ensure that our national identity embraces all Malaysians, regardless of their background.

The ongoing struggles of the Orang Asli communities are a poignant example.

These indigenous peoples have often felt sidelined in the national narrative, likely leading to mental health challenges within their communities.

As Malaysians, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our national identity is inclusive, one that honours and uplifts every community within our borders.

When we uphold “Jiwa Merdeka”, we must do so with a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every Malaysian feels a part of our shared destiny.Beyond borders

As we look to the future, we must also recognise that our national identity is evolving in a rapidly globalising world.

The younger generation of Malaysians is increasingly connected to global cultures and identities.

While this broadens their horizons, it can also create conflict with traditional national identities.

The challenge we face is to adapt our national identity in a way that remains true to our roots, while being open to the global influences that enrich our society.

The Malaysian diaspora worldwide continues to carry our national identity with pride, often bridging multiple identities.

This can be a source of strength, but also of inner conflict.

As we move forward, we must cultivate a national identity that is flexible – one that allows for multiple expressions of being Malaysian, whether at home or abroad.

This inclusivity is key to ensuring that all Malaysians, regardless of where they are, feel a deep connection to their homeland, which sustains their mental well-being.

Our identity, our heart

Let us remember that the true measure of our national identity is found in how we care for one another, how we lift each other up, and how we ensure that every Malaysian, from the heart of Kuala Lumpur to the most remote village in our country, feels a part of this great nation.

On this Merdeka, we must pledge to build a Malaysia where our national identity is a beacon of hope and strength for all.

Our national identity should not just be a matter of pride.

It should be a source of psychological strength, a wellspring of unity that can carry us through future challenges.

Together, as one people, we can create a Malaysia that is not only proud, but also profoundly united in mind, body, and spirit.

Merdeka!

Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist, the Malaysian Mental Health Association president and Taylor’s University Impact Lab on Mental Health & Wellbeing director. For more information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.