Malaysia, choose togetherness, reject divisiveness

ON Malaysia Day tomorrow (Sept 16, 2025), as we mark the union of our diverse peoples into one nation 62 years ago, we are called to reflect not only on our past but also on the path we are choosing for our future.

The recent assassination of American conservative influencer Charlie Kirk reminded the world how deadly divisions can become. Though far away, Malaysia is not immune to the same “us versus them” mentality. Left unchecked, it can tear apart the very fabric of our society.

Political killings are rare in Malaysia, but violence is not absent. The syringe attack on former minister Rafizi Ramli’s young son, the firebombing of KK Mart outlets last year, the attack on MP Ngeh Koo Ham’s home, the “red shirts” attacks on Bersih protesters, and the assault on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor are sobering reminders that hatred can – and does – spill into violence.

When leaders and influencers label opponents as “pengkhianat (traitors)” or “enemies of race and religion”, they may not wield weapons, but their words can light the fuse of violence in the hearts of others. The consequence of divisive politics is not just broken trust but broken lives.

Malaysia Day is meant to be a celebration of unity. On Sept 16, 1963, peoples of different backgrounds came together – not because we were the same (or even like each other), but because we believed our differences could be our strength.

The Universal Declaration on Democracy reminds us that democracy is built on “common values shared by peoples throughout the world community, irrespective of cultural, political, social, and economic differences”. Malaysia embodies this truth. Our diversity is not a weakness to be feared, but the foundation of our resilience and cultural wealth.

Regardless of where our forefathers came from we are here to stay and contribute to the building of a peaceful and prosperous Malaysia where all our children, their children, everyone’s children can achieve the Malaysian dream. 

Unity will not happen by chance. It requires leaders with courage.

It is easy for politicians and influencers to stoke anger against minorities or opponents – it wins applause and positions them as “defenders” of their communities. But true leadership is not about deepening divides; it is about healing them.

We need leaders who are not afraid to denounce hateful rhetoric, even from their own supporters. Leaders who remind us that a better future for Malays does not mean a worse one for Chinese, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians, or Orang Asli. A secure Malaysia for Muslims must never mean an insecure Malaysia for Christians, Buddhists, or Hindus. Justice for one community must mean justice for all.

But leaders cannot do this alone. Each of us carries responsibility. When we forward divisive messages on WhatsApp, retweet falsehoods, or cheer insults hurled at opponents, we too are feeding polarisation.

Ordinary citizens play a vital role in keeping democracy safe. By refusing to spread disinformation, by speaking against prejudice, and by choosing empathy over hostility, we create the conditions for peace and stability, necessary ingredients for growth and prosperity.

Small acts of kindness, forgiveness, and truth-telling –especially in moments of tension – can shift our culture from a zero-sum mindset beyond tolerance and toward solidarity.

So on this Malaysia Day, let us pledge:

> To see fellow citizens not as enemies to defeat, but as partners in a shared future.

> To hold leaders accountable when they use the politics of fear and division.

> To replace suspicion with understanding, and hatred with love.

> To spend less time ranting on social media and more time engaging face-to-face with Malaysians of all communities.

Malaysia was born from the belief that we are stronger together. Sixty-two years later, that belief remains our best hope.

The choice before us is clear: continue down the road of divisive politics, or begin a new journey of togetherness. This Malaysia Day, let us choose togetherness.

And to young Malaysians who will inherit this nation: let yours be the generation that breaks the cycle of fear and division, and carries forward the spirit of “us together” into a brighter, more united Malaysia.

Selamat Hari Malaysia!

THOMAS FANN

Kuala Lumpur

The letter writer is the former chairperson of activist organisation Bersih and writes as a private citizen who still believes in ordinary Malaysians – whom he believes are decent, fair-minded, and share a common desire to live in peace and harmony.