Letter to Editor
IN 2008, a young Barack Obama – deemed by many to be the country’s newfound saviour upon his election victory – would preach to the American people from the presidential pulpit, promising to spearhead the “American Dream”.
His speech was welcomed with thunderous applause, heartfelt tears and exuberant cheer. The ecstasy around this highly-idealised national ethos was, however, short-lived.
The promise of equality of opportunity, upward social mobility and prosperity for all Americans was eclipsed by the Great Recession leading many to lose faith in the hope of there being an “American Dream”.
With the ever-growing possibility of a recession this year, the threat of increasing social polarisation and political turmoil, Malaysia’s newly-minted national slogan “Malaysia Madani” (Civilised Malaysia), launched by national unity minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, faces many challenges in presenting itself as the “Malaysian Dream”, promising a prosperous Malaysia as it hopes to secure the confidence of the people.
The slogan “Malaysia Madani” was very recently consecrated as the unity government’s national philosophy and vision aiming to facilitate progress towards the heights of civilisation, encapsulating efforts to steer the country’s trajectory, which has been historically put off course through the implementation of several initiatives.
This rather reformist-sounding theme is emblematic of the Prime Minister’s well-known political brand.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has previously, in his diagnosis of the country’s developmental condition, made clear that the issues that have affected the country.
Ranging from rampant corruption, a governance of censorship, financial mismanagement and social disunity, these issues are deeply entrenched in the Malaysian culture psyche, the roots of which requiring immediate uprooting lest the invasive weeds of economic, political and social stagnation ravage the national garden, bringing it to a state beyond resuscitation.
It appears that the unity government’s strategy therefore is to introduce programmes that influence all areas of Malaysian life from the political, to the economic and social levels in order to grease the gears of the country’s clockwork to ensure not only that it continues to turn but is primed to take on ambitious mobilisation.
In the book “Developing a Civilised Nation: Vision and Framework of Reform Policies” recently published by Anwar in Malay (which also inspired the national slogan), he describes the “Malaysia Madani” endeavour as one that is “integrated and holistic”.
It aims “to rectify historical mistakes by engaging with the people for feedback” in order to “lay the foundation of a civilized, skilled and inclusive society.”
The new Malaysian Dream – the highest ideal the nation has imaged for itself – is not the promise of a bare governance.
Rather, it is the promise of a governance that aspires to the greatest heights in order to revolutionise the nation into a political, economic and social powerhouse by democratising the participation of all Malaysians regardless of race, religion and political affiliation in the cooperation with the country’s leadership.
This comprehensive, all-inclusive narrative hopes to emphasise the importance of interdependence and the role that the people and the leadership play in alleviating the country of its historical wounds, ushering in the appropriate remedies so as to inspire confidence in the nation’s institutions.
The “Malaysia Madani” concept is one of many in a long line of national narratives ranging from “Bangsa Malaysia” to “Keluarga Malaysia”.
The shelf life, with regard to the perception of the Malaysian people, of these national slogans have tended towards progressive decline and expiration, eventually falling prey to total amnesia.
If the “Malaysia Madani” concept wishes to be unique, impactful and long-lasting in the minds of Malaysians, it must demonstrate its proof of concept by successful thwarting threats to the country’s hope of prosperity.
Speculations around a great economic recession, internal political disputes and social disease appear to be the coming litmus test of the slogan’s legitimacy and if proven successful, it could serve as an unprecedented move in Malaysian history, restoring confidence to all Malaysians.
Having said that, the unity government and the Malaysian people must summon all of its strength to fight to keep the Malaysian Dream alive and well. – Jan 18, 2023
Pravin Periasamy is a FocusM reader.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
Main photo credit: Getty Images
