“DENIALISM” is the practice of denying the existence, truth or validity of something despite proof or strong evidence that it is real, true or valid. Denialism becomes a serious problem for the nation when there is no awareness of its existence and denialist attitudes become normalised.
Not backed by truth or data
In our country, most discussions on sociopolitical topics today often exhibit attitudes and perspectives that disregard established facts. Across these discussions, there’s a tendency to undermine scientific consensus, treating it as mere opinion, and promoting alternative facts as valid.
This trend, coined as “denialism” by Hoofnagle and Hoofnagle (2007), reflects a broader social phenomenon where truth and data take a backseat to personal or ideological viewpoints.
This denialist attitude has also infected some of our academics, especially when discussing so called sensitive issues such as politics, religion, ethnicity, national unity and language.
As described, denialists prioritise preserving their worldview over engaging in constructive dialogue or acknowledging evidence. This inclination towards denialism isn’t limited to individuals or specific groups but can also extend to governmental bodies and political organisations.
Denialism has seeped into various facets of Malaysian society, spanning public health, environmental sustainability, national unity initiatives, resource allocation, economic strategies, and historical narratives.
Driven by vested interests and narrow agenda
Consider the role of denialism as a significant challenge in the quest to establish a truly united Malaysia, where every Malaysian feels a profound sense of belonging to this land.
Despite Malaysia’s existence for over 60 years, there remains a significant lack of understanding or denial of its sociopolitical and constitutional framework.
Despite clear data showcasing Malaysia’s diversity – for one, the multicultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic composition of the country from Penang to East Malaysia, certain circles persistently deny these facts, driven by vested interests, narrow political agendas or simply ignorance.
Even with the presence of the Federal Constitution, there remains a prevalent denial of Malaysia as a federation in the minds of many, including those who are educated. Therefore, crafting a Malaysian mindset rather than one entrenched in racial or religious divisions presents a significant challenge.
Furthermore, decades of political manoeuvring along religious and ethnic lines have fuelled misinformation campaigns, particularly evident in the widespread dissemination of false information on social media and other platforms. This misinformation contributes to unnecessary rifts and divisions among the Malaysian populace. In the grand scheme of things, Malaysia suffers as a whole, with ordinary citizens bearing the brunt of the consequences.
Innovative and knowledge-driven approach vital
Even some academics, driven by vested interests, contribute to the proliferation of misinformation and perpetuation of stereotype thinking about ethnicity, religion, and culture. This, I consider, a disappointment to the development of intellectual thinking that can help to improve society. Academics who prioritise political correctness or populism in their actions and speeches may compromise their academic integrity and intellectual honesty. Academic integrity entails conducting oneself in a manner that is honest, fair, respectful, and responsible throughout one’s studies and academic pursuits.
I propose that in order to enlighten those who deny the reality of diversity as a natural and beneficial aspect of life, it is crucial to engage in open, honest discussions and provide education on this matter. Swift and effective rebuttals are necessary for countering the widespread misleading and biased narratives regarding ethnicity and religion, even when propagated by senior politicians who behave irresponsibly.
The National Unity Ministry should adopt a more innovative and knowledge-driven approach in its endeavours, rather than adhering strictly to conventional methods of promoting unity. The ministry needs to collaborate with other relevant ministries whose policies may influence ethnic relations. This is because efforts toward unity must be holistic and comprehensive, rather than fragmented or piecemeal.
The upcoming National Unity Week is crucial for propagating a sense of togetherness and unity among the populace, while helping to address and dispel any denialist attitudes regarding Malaysia’s true character. However, such activities should not mark the end, but rather the continuation of ongoing efforts in crafting a unified Malaysia.
Socially, denialism perpetuates division and erodes trust in many institutions. An illustrative example is the decline of public confidence in the political system and its leaders, stemming from their overtly contradictory actions and statements regarding political cooperation between Malay and non-Malay political factions. This situation is worsened by certain politicians’ exploitation of Islam to rationalise their racist political tactics.
The denialist mindset fails to acknowledge the long-term hazards posed to the nation by engaging in politics centred around race and religion. In this context, implementing a policy to deal with 3R-issues (race, religion and royalty) is crucial to counteract the distortion of facts and spread of misinformation on various issues, thus averting the worsening of societal divisions.
It has often been argued that promoting dialogue between diverse groups and fostering transparency in decision-making processes are crucial steps toward countering denialist narratives in unity efforts.
Educational reforms and evidence-based policies
Educational reforms are essential to combat denialism in unity efforts. Emphasising critical thinking and media literacy in school curricula can empower future generations to discern misinformation from factual information.
Implementing evidence-based policies, as advocated by experts from leading universities in Malaysia, reinforces trust in institutions. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, academia, and civil society organisations can foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
Public engagement initiatives, such as town hall meetings and online forums, provide platforms for open dialogue. Experts from the Malaysian Institute of Integrity stress the importance of inclusive discussions to bridge societal divides and cultivate a shared understanding of pertinent issues.
Confronting denialism in Malaysia is pivotal for the nation’s advancement, as it equips citizens to confront both domestic and global challenges in a unified fashion. By prioritising education, transparent governance, and inclusive dialogue, Malaysia can combat denialist tendencies and foster an informed and united society.
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.
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