A nation is built not just upon the liberation of its land from occupation of foreign powers. It is built in the context of the identity, the togetherness and shared visions of its people. Nation-building, as its commonly referred to, is the process whereby a society which is made up of groups with diverse origins, histories, languages, cultures and religions come together within the boundaries of an independent state with a formal constitution and legal framework, a systematic public education system, an integrated national economy, shared symbols and values, with the aim for unity amidst these diversities. The ultimate goals of the nation of these characteristics are to be able to peacefully coexist with each other, share a common identity as citizens of the state and positively contribute to its development.
For Malaysia, nation-building is a process which is not void of challenges. Our cultural and ethnic mosaic, differences in political affiliations and ideologies and socioeconomic backgrounds are some of these challenges. Although the country has sailed through more than 60 years of independence, nation-building and unity prove to be the most challenging aspect of governance for the country’s leadership.
So where does dialogue fit in the process of nation-building? It is important to understand that dialogue which is often refers to as peaceful conversation between two or more parties, aims at finding common understanding on a particular topic or issue. Dialogue is a learning process and conducted with respect of the differences and even on commonalities of ideas and principles. The concept of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ as envisioned by the Prime Minister which has become the framework for nation-building during this time of pandemic and beyond, needs to uphold dialogue as a mechanism of engagement with various state and non-state actors. The dynamism in dialogue allows for it to become the most constructive form of interaction. A productive dialogue process will provide government with the much needed input for public policy formulation and also provide the best platform for the government to share its directions and obtain the necessary public feedback. Therefore, for this purpose, dialogue should not be an exclusive exercise that only involves selected elite groups in the society and policy-makers, it must now be made an approach for interaction at all levels of society. As the impact of the pandemic on the people’s live and livelihood is unprecedented, the time of ‘government knows best’ is actually very much obsolete now and it is high time to incorporate ideas and opinions from members of the society from all walks of life.
Dialogue must also be made a common form of interaction among people of diverse background in the context of the multicultural and multi-religious identity of the Malaysian society. Dialogue of life where people from the different religious, cultural and ethnic groups come together to discuss issues affecting humanity such as poverty, environment and social responsibilities is another effort towards achieving the common agreement in finding comprehensive solutions. This form of dialogue helps to create a sense of unity and mutual understanding which help to contribute towards the nation-building agenda of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’. In short, we just need talk to each other more so that we understand the differences and similarities that exist within us as a society.
Like any family, ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ is like a tree that grows and sprawls into different branches and leaves but stems from the same firm roots. ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ must find unity through commonalities, shared values and respect of differences, agree on the similar threats, concerns and challenges to its foundation; and work in unison to overcome these challenges. The strength of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ is also very much depended upon leaders who are actually the prime movers of the nation-building agenda. Leaders must be able to listen and understand, be empathetic and sympathetic to the struggles and welfare of the people. In Islam, the position of leadership stresses on one important aspect of the whole process which is the concept of ‘amanah ’or trust. Leaders are appointed or elected to their statures and positions due to their capabilities and also because they are seen by the people as individuals who are able to safeguard the trust and carry out their responsibilities earnestly. In carrying out the ‘amanah’ of leadership, they are actually accountable also to God.
In a nutshell, nation-building needs more than just slogans and rhetoric. It needs convictions from all, comprising of the government and leaders from all segments of the society and ultimately the people of this beloved nation. As we celebrate Malaysia Day on the 16th of September, let us not forget the times when we are able to come together as a nation during the high time of success and low times of sadness. We must draw strength from each other with the belief that together, we can make ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ the nation that all of us are proud of.
