Cabinet to get National Unity Blueprint soon

PUTRAJAYA: The long-awaited National Unity Blueprint will be tabled at the Cabinet soon, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

Drafted by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC), the blueprint has nine desired outcomes and 16 suggestions on how to proceed with community mediation and conflict resolution in a multiethnic and multifaith environment.

Among the specific recommendations to the Government in the blueprint include forming a non-judicial mechanism in resolving conflicts.

This would be done through the formation of a Community Mediation and Conflict Resolution Centre (CMCR), which will act as a mediator of conflicts in the community.

Kurup, who is in charge of national unity, said a pilot project will be carried out in Putrajaya next month before such centres are formed nationwide.

“When there are groups or people who quarrel, they can come to us and we will help mediate.

“Even if it is a quarrel between friends, we will try to settle the problem before it becomes bigger or leads to a quarrel about race or religion,” said Kurup in an interview with The Star yesterday.

However, he said that even though CMCR aims to usher in amicable solutions, aggrieved parties would have to submit to mediation voluntarily as CMCR has no enforcement or punitive powers.

“We are just a platform for dialogues, aiming for a win-win situation,” he said.

Asked if he is confident that the measures in the blueprint will work, Kurup said the plan needs the cooperation of all Malaysians to succeed.

“The challenges to our nation’s unity have changed.

“We face a series of new challenges that are dangerous and alarming.

“We need to use all of our resources and exert every effort in order to achieve reconciliation among Malaysians and to strengthen the culture of moderation.

“I expect everyone to contribute what they can to sustain our precious unity.

“We should take proactive initiatives in the spirit of solidarity and as a duty to our nation,” he said.

On the newly proposed National Harmony Bill, Kurup said it will focus more on education and non-punitive measures to promote harmony.

He added that the Bill is still in the discussion stages.

Kurup said a committee will be established to analyse the findings from engagements with various stakeholders before submitting it to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“The Government will not rush into introducing any laws without discussing with stakeholders to ensure they are relevant and in sync with current realities, as well as being in line with the Federal Constitution,” said Kurup, who added that the proposed Bill would focus on elements such as education, fairness, moderation, plurality and harmony.

It is expected to be tabled in Parliament by the year’s end.