National unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang says a proposed harmony charter can be the foundation of Malaysia’s future prosperity.
PETALING JAYA: A sociologist has lauded Putrajaya’s proposed introduction of a harmony charter, but says more concrete actions are needed to foster national harmony.
Syed Farid Alatas, a professor of sociology at the National University of Singapore, said the government needs to go “beyond rhetoric and symbolism” and put in place substantive changes that actively promote inclusivity.
Syed Farid Alatas.
“This entails focusing on implementing policies and initiatives that foster genuine unity and social cohesion.
“While the proposal for a harmony charter is a positive step forward, its success ultimately depends on its ability to translate lofty ideals into meaningful action,” he told FMT.
On March 20, national unity minister Aaron Ago Dagang said his ministry and the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia were in the midst of a study of the proposed charter.
He said this harmony charter could form a guide for the establishment of a peaceful and harmonious nation, which would lead to Malaysia’s future prosperity.
Farid said the government should look to celebrate Malaysia’s religious diversity as a source of strength under the proposed charter.
“No single religion should claim superiority or exclusivity, as such claims can exacerbate tensions and hinder efforts towards harmony.
“Instead, fostering mutual respect, tolerance and dialogue among religious communities is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence,” said Farid, the son of the late academic, sociologist and Gerakan co-founder, Syed Hussein Alatas.
Denison Jayasooria.
Meanwhile, fellow sociologist Denison Jayasooria of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia said a harmony charter was necessary and should be founded upon the principles of the Rukun Negara and Federal Constitution.
However, he blamed the disharmony in the nation on something else: politics.
“While a contemporary charter or collective statement can be beneficial, the main issue lies not in its absence, but rather in the weak political leadership in maintaining a middle ground.
“Also, public education, particularly in civic citizenship, is essential, along with impartial enforcement,” he said.
Farid and Denison also dismissed Subang MP Wong Chen’s views that Malaysia’s racial and religious issues would subside once the nation’s middle class increases and strengthens.
Both sociologists agreed that solely bolstering this economic group and lifting Malaysians into the middle class will not resolve racial disharmony.
“While a strong middle class can contribute to stability and social cohesion, it is crucial to recognise that economic factors alone cannot resolve deeply ingrained racial tensions,” said Farid.
Denison pointed out that the affluence of white Americans and the rising middle class in India have not necessarily led to greater social cohesion in either country.
“While economic factors may influence social cohesion to some extent, it’s not the whole picture. We need to prioritise public education on national and civil matters.
“It’s vital for citizens to be well-informed about their rights and responsibilities in fostering a harmonious society,” he said.
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