PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must put the nation’s long-term interests above divisions of the moment as it confronts a rapidly changing and increasingly polarised world.
Civil society group G25 Malaysia said new technologies and changing patterns of communication had transformed how people understood events and engaged with one another.
While technology had broken down barriers and brought people closer together, it could also deepen divisions, spread misinformation and amplify voices seeking to exploit differences.
G25 said Malaysia had come a long way since independence, transforming from an economy largely dependent on agriculture and primary commodities through sustained investment in education, healthcare, rural development, infrastructure and economic growth.
However, the country now faced a different set of challenges, including a rapidly changing global economy and technological landscape, inequality, institutional weaknesses and maintaining social cohesion.
It said Malaysia’s next stage of development should therefore be measured by more than economic progress.
“A mature nation is one where institutions command public confidence, power is exercised responsibly, the rule of law is respected, and every Malaysian can participate meaningfully in the country’s future,” it said on Sunday (Aug 30).
The group said this in its statement marking the country’s 69th Merdeka Day, urging Malaysians to listen across differences and approach difficult issues with maturity and discernment.
G25 said strengthening Parliament and public institutions, improving accountability and governance, and safeguarding constitutional rights remained essential.
It added that Malaysia’s diversity had long been a source of strength, with Malaysians of different histories, cultures, faiths and traditions sharing common values of humanity, respect and a desire for peace and prosperity.
“On this Merdeka Day, let us take pride in the distance Malaysia has travelled without becoming complacent about the road ahead.
“The task before us is not simply to preserve what we have inherited, but to continue to improve it,” it said.
G25 Malaysia comprises former senior civil servants and individuals from various professional fields advocating moderation, constitutionalism, the rule of law, good governance, institutional reform and social cohesion.
They hope that Malaysians could continue building a country in which every generation could thrive and be proud to call home.
