Why minorities matter

Participants waving the national flag or also known as Jalur Gemilang during the 59th National Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka on Wednesday. -Raymond Ooi/The Star

IN the past year, we have witnessed political, social, economic and cultural upheaval with a common thread being a push back against immigration and more specifically minorities in countries that have long termed themselves liberal democracies.

Immigration and minorities in these countries have been blamed for social problems, weighing down on the healthcare and social safety systems, taking away jobs from natives.