Budget 2026’s allocations to promote unity must be backed by responsible leadership and transparent implementation to achieve inclusivity and engagement, say community leaders.
Unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the various community and youth-based allocations were a positive step towards strengthening social cohesion.
However, he stressed that success depended on whether planned programmes could truly bring people together.
“For example, sports events are good because they bring young people together, but there should also be community activities that involve residents associations of all races,” he said.
“Allocations should only be used for activities that benefit everyone, and such allocations for programmes must be monitored for accountability.”
Lee said politicians must also play a role by setting a responsible tone.
“All the money and effort to build unity will come to nothing if insensitive or incendiary remarks continue,” Lee warned.
“What Malaysia needs are more ethnic bridge builders, not ethnic champions,” he stressed.
During the tabling of Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced several initiatives under National Unity Ministry to strengthen social cohesion.
Two new compulsory national unity modules will be introduced in higher education institutions next year.
Another RM55mil was allocated to expand national identity and unity programmes, including Unity Week, “Harmoni Madani” and “Citra Nusa Muzium”.
The government has also set aside RM46mil to build three new Unity Activity Centres in Terengganu, Perak and Sarawak.
In addition, RM30mil will be provided in matching grants to support sukan rakyat (traditional games and activities popular in Malaysia) and community events.
A further RM55mil will go towards strengthening “Rukun Tetangga Madani” in multiracial neighbourhoods.
Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) vice-president Tan Hoe Chieow urged Education Ministry to consult religious leaders when developing content.
“The modules can foster greater understanding among Malaysians, but we hope Education Ministry will engage the heads of various religions when it comes to content on religious topics,” he said.
Tan supported the plan to build Unity Activity Centres nationwide, saying the facilities could become important spaces for interaction and bonding.
He added that the government should ensure each state had at least one such centre.
Tan said MCCBCHST was disappointed that its proposal to raise the allocation for the repair and maintenance of non-Muslim houses of worship from RM50mil to RM60mil and to include construction funding was not accepted.
Universiti Putra Malaysia social anthropologist Prof Dr Sarjit Singh Gill welcomed the RM50mil allocation for the maintenance of non-Muslim houses of worship nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak, but deemed it insufficient.
“I hope the Government will follow Sarawak’s example, where funds are allocated to the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to assist houses of worship and mission schools,” he said.
“The Government should also exempt the extended sales and service tax (SST) for construction works for houses of worship,” said Prof Sarjit.
