Mariam Mokhtar is well-known for being a very fierce critic of the socio-political problems in our country. She, like most of us, wants to get rid of the extremism, intolerance and double-standards that are rampant in Malaysia.
In her lecture titled “Integration with Integrity: Without Fear or Favour”, she highlighted several key steps that need to be taken in order to achieve national integration and unity.
She said, as quoted by FMT,
“If you want national integration, this is what you must do: remove the ‘bangsa’ and ‘agama’ in our identity cards; ban racism and affirmative action policies; reduce the wealth gaps between the haves and have-nots. Also, do no politicise languages; treat east and west Malaysians equally and allow media freedom and freedom of expression.”
She also stressed that to achieve integration with integrity is something possible to do and when all the restrains that divide Malaysians are removed, the rakyat will start to respect each other’s faith and culture.
She also compared nation integration to a marriage or a relationship where hard work, a sense of humour and mutual respect is needed to make the relationship a success.
Source: Herald Malaysia
Mariam added,
“The events of May 9 have provided the catalyst for a new beginning in Malaysia Baru. Next, we should muster the courage to move forward. We start now. We may not see the fruits of our work, but our children and grandchildren will.”
Mariam explained that things aren’t the same as her experiences growing up. Those days, Malaysians enjoy inter-faith and inter-culture integration. Even the schools and universities were more respected.
According to her, today, the education system has been dumbed down, for the sake of race, religion and the country while sacrificing integration and integrity.
Source: FMT
Mariam also mentioned how this phenomenon can be reversed. She listed 10 basic rules for everyone to follow:
- Never do things with money in mind.
- Cure one’s Periuk Nasi Syndrome.
- Learn how to communicate better.
- Have fear and respect for God but not religious symbols.
- Apply the belief of families who eat together, stay together.
- Learn to have a better education.
- Serve the public and not oneself.
- Never blame others.
- Never be afraid of hard work.
- Always think and make the best decisions.
She added that,
“Today, some leaders steal taxpayers’ money to fund their extravagant lifestyle of foreign homes, pink diamonds and designer handbags. They even steal the milk meant for the poor school children.”
What do you think of her suggestions? Will it be possible to bring back the old ways when all of us live in harmony? Was there even harmony to begin with? Or is everything fine, it’s just that certain individuals like to provoke and destroy the good relationship forged among Malaysians? Share with us your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: “He Treated Me like His Own Dad” – Accident Shows Harmony Still Exists Between Malaysians
