Embracing aunified Malaysiain 2024

AS Malaysians step into the promising embrace of the New Year, it’s time to set forth collective aspirations and expectations, transcending the boundaries of religious and ethnic differences.

My fervent wish for 2024 this year is to see a nation that prioritises unity, prosperity, and the wellbeing of its people, while standing strong against divisive narratives. The strong, principled and responsible among us have to pave the way and stay the course. United and focused on real issues, we can face the numerous challenges of 2024 more effectively.

The essence of this wish lies in steering away from being swayed by divisive narratives rooted in religious and ethnic sentiments. It’s imperative to focus on endeavours that foster unity and progress, transcending the lines that often divide us. Instead, let us rally behind the collective pursuit of goals that elevate the nation as a whole.

As Malaysia enters the horizon of 2024, one of the fundamental aspirations is to strengthen and uphold the rule of law across all sectors of society.

The importance of adherence to the rule of law by enforcement agencies, the Attorney General Chambers, and the Judiciary cannot be overstated. Enforcement agencies like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Royal Malaysia Police are the guardians of law and order and justice. It is imperative that these agencies act impartially, professionally, and without bias adhering to due process, fair investigations, and ethical conduct.

The Judiciary serves as the bastion of justice in any society and ensuring an independent and impartial Judiciary is paramount for the rule of law to prevail. Judges must continue to apply the law objectively, fairly, and without prejudice.

The second foremost desire for 2024 is for political leaders to channel their efforts into matters that bind Malaysians together. It’s crucial that leaders prioritise the economy’s growth, bolstering the education sector, enhancing healthcare accessibility, and nurturing a society that’s compassionate and inclusive.

By focusing on these core elements, we pave the way for a thriving and equitable nation. The leaders will have to step up their quality of leadership, politicking and narratives. Some of them must stop insulting the intelligence of the thinking citizens by being more careful of what they say in public.

Political leaders hold the mantle of responsibility to steer the nation towards a brighter future. Their commitment to prioritising national interests over personal or partisan gains will pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous Malaysia

My third wish is for a truly caring Malaysian society that stands as a beacon of unity and compassion. I wish to see dedicated support systems for the disabled and elderly, ensuring they receive the care, dignity and respect they deserve. As the population ages, it becomes increasingly vital to establish robust support systems that cater to their health, social, and emotional needs. The disabled community encompasses a diverse spectrum of individuals with varying needs.

Providing comprehensive support involves enhancing accessibility to infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, and healthcare. It’s through these acts of kindness and empathy that the fabric of society is strengthened.

I also fully support the Prime Minister’s fight against corruption as it remains a significant impediment to progress. My wish is for the fight to continue, irrespective of the culprits’ status or position. It is equally important that the corrupt are made to return whatever they looted to the rakyat.

The fight against corruption demands unwavering dedication. It’s not only about prosecuting the corrupt but also implementing systemic changes that prevent corruption from taking root in institutions.

This would certainly require structural changes in our current system including mindset transformation in the way affairs are conducted. Without doubt there will be major resistance, especially from the corrupt who are powerful. The Madani government has a lot of work to do in this area.

Respecting religious diversity and ensuring religious freedom is also fundamental to a harmonious society. In 2024, the aspiration is to create an environment where every individual, including Muslims, can practice their faith without unwarranted interference and social harmony.

Upholding religious freedom fosters inclusivity and mutual respect among all Malaysians. In the light of Article 3 of the Constitution which states the special position of Islam as the religion of the Federation, the religious freedom, being a fundamental right, should encompass the right of Malaysian Muslims to engage in public discourse that goes beyond traditional or conservative perspectives.

The politicisation of Islam in the country also makes it difficult for the Muslim to practice his faith peacefully – this ought to be addressed. It is equally my concern that irresponsible vested interest Muslims are using Islamic discourse to, ironically, divide the Muslim community.

Looking at sectarian aggression in other Muslims countries, we should not take this potential security threat within the Muslim community for granted. The Madani government must address this to free Muslims from being embroiled or pulled into the tornado of politics where Islam is being abused. Extremism must be stamped out before it graduates to terrorism.

In 2024, the wish is to create an environment where Muslims feel empowered to responsibly express diverse viewpoints without fear of repercussion or censorship. Open and public discussions not only prevent extremism but also prevents dangerous ideologies linked to Islam from going underground. Islam ought to be returned to the Muslims instead of being monopolised by a few, especially for purely political ends.

Ultimately, the New Year’s wish for 2024 is not merely a utopian dream but a collective call to action. It calls upon citizens, leaders, and institutions to work collaboratively towards a Malaysia where unity prevails over division, progress transcends barriers, and compassion binds us together. It’s incumbent upon every citizen to actively engage in fostering unity and rejecting divisive narratives that seek to fragment our harmonious society.

Embracing diversity should be celebrated as a strength that enriches our social fabric rather than dividing us. In 2024, let us focus on building a better, thriving and sustainable Malaysia.

Senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos is the founder of Rapera, a movement which encourages critical thinking and compassion among Malaysians. The views expressed here are entirely his own.