I DISAGREE with the Bersatu president and Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin who wants the six state general elections to become a referendum against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s unity government.
I see the six state elections as the start of the test whether Malaysia is to race to the bottom to become a divided, failed and rogue state or to race to the top to become world champions again and be a role model to the world of inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-cultural and inter-civilisation dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony.
Malaysians regardless of race, religion or region must not waste this opportunity for a national reset and return to the original nation-building principles for a plural Malaysia – for such an opportunity is unlikely to present itself for a second time.
This is why the Yang di Pertuan Agong has advised all Malaysians to maintain political stability and restore national unity for Malaysians to be world champions again.
The Anwar unity government has given Malaysians an unique opportunity to reset and return to the original nation-building principles for a plural Malaysia.
Hence, do we want to continue to quarrel among ourselves while allowing irresponsible and dishonest politicians to polarise race and religious relations in the county with lies, falsehoods and fake news that a race or a religion is on the verge of elimination by other races and religions?
Or do we wake up to the reality that “time and tide waits for no man” and that the real battle for Malaysians is not with themselves but with the world?
Do Malaysians continue to migrate overseas to make other nations great or do we unite and ensure that there is political stability to make Malaysia great?
When the Cold War ended, political scientist Francis Fukuyama came up with the theory of the “End of History”, the end of wars and tragedies, and the beginning of a new era for the world free of threats.
This proved illusory as more wars and regional conflicts exploded, threatening international peace and security.
Can Malaysia contribute to world peace and harmony to prevent a clash of civilisations? I believe Malaysia – the confluence of four great civilisations – can do so. But Malaysians must first re-unite and ensure that there is political stability in the country. – June 13, 2023
Veteran lawmaker and retired DAP supremo Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang is the former MP for Iskandar Puteri.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.
