From slogans to action: ‘Malaysia Madani’ must move from ‘tolerance’ to understanding

I would like to consider the theme of “religious tolerance” from two perspectives: an optimistic perspective and a realistic perspective.

Optimistic perspective

From an optimistic perspective, “Malaysia Madani” envisions a civilised, skilled and inclusive society based on six core values.

The first three core values focus on national goals and aspirations:

• Sustainability means having persistence, long-term goals and a clear direction
• Prosperity implies shared prosperity, growth, development and returns that benefit everyone
• Innovation means being creative and open to change, using technology and adjusting our mindset to adapt to current realities

Who can deny that these will not add value to the nation and its people as we look ahead to the future. These are outcomes everyone would welcome. They are targets we can work towards.

The second set of three values highlights personal and interpersonal relations. They are values that have to be imbibed by every one of us. They bear no contradiction with Hindu values. They also represent a personal commitment.

• Respect implies equal consideration for everyone in society
• Trust involves a critical element of integrity that gives confidence in all that is undertaken
• Compassion includes due consideration of the other, the very basis of morality

These require inner work from all of us to develop greater respect, trust and compassion for one another. Just as Islam must inspire Muslims to enhance these qualities in their lives, the same applies to people of other religious traditions.

This second set of values provides the foundation on which the first three will be realised.

From a personal Hindu perspective, Malaysia Madani has so much to offer the world. It provides an Islamic perspective that is inclusive, forward-looking and progressive.

I am inspired by this vision to create a civilised, skilled and inclusive society. Through this initiative, Malaysia has much to offer the world.

The Madani framework not only focuses on problem-solving processes. It also aims at meeting the current needs of the nation and in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future.

When embarking on this journey to realise this new Malaysian dream, Malaysia Madani becomes the basis of our national philosophy. It outlines a vision that aims to facilitate progress towards high civilisational goals.

In this context, the talk of tolerance has to be discarded and the goal of understanding has to be emphasised. Tolerance only promotes the status quo, unlike understanding that is dynamic and critical for a diverse society like Malaysia. Malaysia Madani will only succeed if every one of us buys into this vision and pulls together in one direction.

This vision for me is more than tolerance. It must stress understanding and call for us to understand and respect one another. It requires an inclusive mindset that overcomes fear, suspicion and mistrust. Imagine how this will contribute towards the creation of a cohesive Malaysian society!

Realistic perspective

Let’s turn to my second perspective, which attempts to be realistic.

Malaysia Madani has to be felt and experienced by all of us. We have heard about the Rukun Negara (the National Principles) and slogans such as “Vision 2020”; “Islam Hadhari” (Civilisational Islam); “1Malaysia” and “Keluarga Malaysia” (Malaysian Family).

These were well-intentioned and articulated slogans, but they did not make any difference to the person on the street. Neither did they make any meaningful difference to policies and programmes.

We need to see people who live the spirit of Malaysia Madani and who, by their actions, display what it means.

These actions must produce a tangible difference in people’s lives. We must feel the difference in the civil service, in the counter staff, in the services sector and from different authorities. The ‘Madani culture’ must become pervasive and infectious.

As futurist Joel Barket rightly observed: “Vision without action is merely a dream, action without vision just passes time while vision and action can change the world.”

This will only happen when mainstream Islam in Malaysia projects an inclusive and progressive nature. This is inherent in Islam. Malaysia Madani could be a catalyst in this regard.

Fear of the other has to be replaced with compassion for the other. Religion must empower individuals to transcend race, ethnic issues and religious differences. It has to help us manage diversity and claim the human identity.

“Prosper the other” should be the basis for a shared prosperity that contributes to everyone’s wellbeing. We must ensure no one among the people – including migrant workers and the minorities – is mistreated.

Malaysia Madani must ensure dignity for men and women and reject all forms of discrimination on the road to a just and fair society.

Islam must propel fairness and justice.

Our diversity must contribute to the nation’s overall strength and not merely be a feature to draw tourists and showcase our ethnic culinary delights.

The success of Malaysia Madani will be evaluated by:

• how this vision changes the policymaking basis of the government
• to what extent Malaysia Madani reduces polarisation, ethnic tensions and enhances the sense of oneness within the nation
• whether justice and fair play have become cornerstones of the Madani government

This will mean a relook at the New Economic Policy (NEP) as it stands, equal opportunities for all, and a shift in the intake of minorities in the civil service. It will also mean promotional opportunities that stress meritocracy and not race. Race must no more be the basis, and this mindset must be done away with.

If we stick to business as usual, then we will see no movement from tolerance to understanding. The six core values are values that can make a difference -not as mere statements or beliefs, but in action and as the basis for policymaking, change and direction.

The reforms that this “unity government” articulates have to be expressed in the context of the core values of Malaysia Madani. Respect, trust and compassion are universal values that go beyond tolerance to promote understanding and unity. This is progressive and forward-thinking. It calls for radical changes in policy and a focus on institutional reforms.

Does the Madani government have the political will to make a difference? So far, all the visions we have seen over the years have left many feeling sceptical.

Tangible definite actions that bring about changes in policies and attitudes are needed if this vision is to make a difference. Malaysian Muslims are called to ignite this vision and initiate action plans to realise it.

Hard questions have to be asked. Does ‘bumiputraism’, a political construct, enhance respect, trust and compassion for the other? While it is good for the perpetrator, it is painful for the victim. Has the NEP contributed to the cause of national unity over the last 54 years?

The answers to these and other significant questions will determine whether Malaysia Madani remains just another slogan or a genuine vision that has strategic mission objectives to make a difference.

Let’s also learn from the mistakes of nations that played on identity issues.

Take Sri Lanka and how they dealt with ethnic tensions. Where are they today? A bankrupt nation, ultimately brought to its knees by the elite of the nation. Many from all communities suffered.

Take Pakistan, which played the religious card. Where are they today? Also facing internal divisions and out with a begging bowl to keep the nation alive.

To make Malaysia Madani a reality, we need an enlightened Malay-Muslim Islamic leadership that serves everyone – regardless of class, colour, race and religion. In contrast, Umno played the racial card, and today it remains a divided sunset party.

It is unity that builds while divisions divide.

Religion has the transcendental potential to deliver people from identity prisons. But for that to happen, we have to ourselves claim a mindset that frees us from such traps.

Those who espouse Malaysia Madani must walk the talk and initiate change.

This is an edited version of a paper presented at a seminar on “Religious tolerance in the era of Malaysia Madani”, organised by the Allied Coordinating Committee of Islamic NGOs (Accim) on 3 August 2024. Haridas spoke as a representative of Aliran.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

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