PETALING JAYA: A social tension index is being developed to measure the level of national unity and monitor religious and racial sensitivities across the country, says National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
He said Malaysia’s long-term progress depended on its ability to foster trust and harmony across society, warning that no nation could achieve sustainable development if its people were divided by mistrust, hostility or conflict.
“The findings of the index will serve as a strategic reference for the government in addressing sensitive issues.
“It will also help strengthen harmony and social cohesion in Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society,” Aaron said in his closing remarks at the 2026 Parliamentary Harmony Symposium yesterday.
The symposium was organised by the Secretariat of the Malaysia All-Party Parliamentary Group on Racial and Religious Harmony.
Aaron said the index is developed by the National Unity and Integration Department.
He added that 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 creation of a National Harmony Commission.
He said the proposed commission, first announced in April this year, will 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,” Aaron added.
The minister said national unity should not be viewed solely through the lens of interfaith relations but should also encompass ties among different communities with differing political views.
Citing conflicts in Rwanda, Sudan and the former Yugoslavia, Aaron said Malaysia must continue to safeguard racial and religious harmony to avoid divisions that could threaten national stability and prosperity.
“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 interfaith dialogue 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 said 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.
