KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is developing a Social Tension Index to measure the level of national unity and monitor religious and racial sensitivities across the country, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
The National Unity Minister said the index, which the National Unity and Integration Department will develop, would provide a strategic reference for policymakers in addressing sensitive issues.
"A nation cannot achieve sustainable development if its people are divided by mistrust, hostility, or conflict.
"As such, the index will help strengthen harmony and social cohesion in Malaysia's multi-ethnic society," he said in his closing remarks at the 2026 Parliamentary Harmony Symposium on Friday (June 26).
The symposium was organised by the Secretariat of the Malaysia All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPGM) on Racial and Religious Harmony, chaired by Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan.
Aaron said the department is also conducting engagement sessions with various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, government agencies, academics, community leaders and other interested parties, to gather preliminary views on the proposed establishment of a National Harmony Commission (NHC).
He said the proposed commission, announced in April, would serve as an institutional mechanism focusing on early intervention, mediation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
"It would also be responsible for investigating issues that undermine national harmony, making recommendations to the government, and strengthening efforts to preserve national unity," he added.
Citing conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sudan, the Kanowit MP said Malaysia must continue to safeguard racial and religious harmony to avoid divisions that could threaten national stability.
"Every country has its own unique history and context, but the lesson is clear.
"When trust between communities breaks down, when prejudice outweighs understanding, and when differences are exploited for vested interests, a nation's peace and stability can be undermined very quickly.
"No country can achieve sustainable progress if its people live in an atmosphere of mistrust, division or hostility.
"Therefore, when we speak of harmony, we should not limit it solely to interfaith relations. While it is important, harmony also encompasses interactions and strong relationships between different ethnic communities, regions, generations and social classes, as well as among people with differing political views," he said.
Aaron added that diversity forms the foundation of Malaysia's identity and national character and should be regarded not as a threat to unity, but as a strategic asset that enriches the nation.
"The real threats come from prejudice, extremism, mistrust and the failure to manage differences with maturity and wisdom.
"When diversity is managed wisely, it becomes a source of strength that reinforces national unity and resilience, making Malaysia a more harmonious and prosperous nation," he said.
