When Malaysia was recently ranked as the 13th most peaceful country in the world and the second most peaceful in Southeast Asia in the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025—announced in March 2026—it was an achievement that deserves recognition.
Although this represents a slight decline from its 10th position in 2024, the ranking remains commendable, especially considering that the index evaluates 160 countries worldwide and the numerous items concerning peace and harmony that are taken into consideration in the evaluation. Malaysia continues to stand among the more peaceful nations globally.
Such recognition nevertheless should not lead us to complacency. Peace is not a natural default position that remains indefinitely. It is something that must be carefully built, constantly nurtured, and vigilantly protected. Sustaining peace requires proactive and enduring efforts, which should be firmly embedded within the state’s institutions, policies, and governance structures.
Only through such a comprehensive and systematic approach can the continuity and resilience of peace be effectively guaranteed. This is more important particularly in countries which are multiracial and multireligious such as Malaysia.
The Fragility of Peace
History and human experience have shown that peace is far more difficult to maintain than to lose. The causes to division within any society are numerous and often deceptively simple. At times, even a minor act—an irresponsible remark, a misunderstood statement, or an emotionally charged reaction—can escalate into conflict.
In today’s digital age, the risks are significantly amplified. Information spreads at unprecedented speed through social media platforms and communication technologies. While these tools have brought immense benefits, they have also made it easier for misinformation, provocation, and emotionally driven narratives to circulate widely, often without verification.
The True Value of Peace
Peace is often most appreciated only when it is lost. Just as a person rarely values health until they fall ill, societies may fail to fully appreciate stability until they experience conflict or chaos.
True gratitude for peace, however, should not be reflected through merely passive appreciation. It requires active preservation. To be grateful for peace is to work consciously to maintain it—to recognize its fragility and to take deliberate steps to protect it.
Allowing society to “learn the hard way” through exposure to conflict is neither wise nor acceptable. By the time war or unrest occurs, the cost is already too high. Lives, trust, and stability may be irreparably damaged. In Malaysia, the tragic events of the 13 May 1969 riots serve as a painful reminder that we should not have to endure another conflict to appreciate the value of peace, unity, and social harmony.
Islamic View of Peace
From an Islamic perspective, peace is not only a social objective but a foundational principle of every individual Muslim. The very word Islam is derived from the root associated with peace (salām), while the term īmān (faith) carries connotations of security, trust, and inner tranquility.
These concepts highlight that peace in Islam operates on multiple levels: inner peace within the individual; social peace within the community; and spiritual peace in one’s relationship with the Creator. Thus, maintaining peace is not merely a civic duty—it is a moral and spiritual responsibility.
Understanding as the Key to Preserve of Peace
As Albert Einstein once observed: “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Hence, the key to sustaining peace lies in true understanding of the importance of peace and its opposite consequences. Even if individuals have never experienced war or societal breakdown, they can be educated about its consequences. Awareness, dialogue, and critical thinking are essential tools in preventing conflict.
This insight is especially relevant today. Peace is not maintained through control or suppression, but through mutual respect, empathy, and informed engagement.
Peace also should not be seen in a minimalist perspective such as being assessed as only the condition of absence of war and conflict, but it must be seen from an anticipatory, pre-emptive and forward-thinking perspective that assume many initiatives and strategies in creating conditions that will lead to the lasting of peaceful way.
it is reflected in a state of genuine harmony, trust, and well-being within society. It involves strong social bonds, justice, and a shared commitment to coexistence.
A peaceful society is one in which differences can be expressed without fear, where disagreements are managed constructively, and where individuals feel secure and respected.
A Collective Responsibility
Ultimately, the preservation of peace requires the participation of all members of society. Governments, institutions, communities, and individuals must work together to foster understanding, promote responsible communication, and uphold shared values.
Every action matters—whether in conversation, online engagement, or daily interactions. Peace is not sustained by grand declarations alone, but by countless small decisions made with awareness and responsibility.
