Race and religion run deep in Malaysia. They shape who we are, how we live and what we pass down to our children.
MORE than two centuries ago, George Washington warned of leaders who seek greatness at the expense of their own country, saying that no punishment is too great for a person who builds their greatness upon their country’s ruin.
While the historical context was different, the principle remains relevant: ambition that harms the nation is a profound betrayal.
Race and religion run deep in Malaysia. They shape who we are, how we live and what we pass down to our children.
In a country blessed with so many cultures, these differences should be something to celebrate – a sign of how rich and vibrant our society really is. But lately, something troubling has been happening. Instead of bringing us together, race and religion are being used to tear us apart.
We have all seen it – the way certain politicians reach for these issues whenever they need to distract, divide or deflect. It is a shortcut to power. And it works. Because fear spreads faster than trust and suspicion is easier to plant than understanding.
What is worrying is what this does to the nation. When every problem is framed as “us versus them”, we stop seeing each other as neighbours, colleagues or friends. We start seeing threats where there used to be none. And once that happens, it is incredibly hard to go back.
Our grandparents knew this. They built this country together – not by pretending differences didn’t exist but by choosing respect over fear. That is why Malaysia worked. That is why we made progress.
Today, that foundation is being chipped away. When communities stop trusting each other, everything becomes harder. Good policies get drowned out by emotional arguments. Real issues – like jobs, education and the cost of living — take a backseat to identity politics.
And our young people? They start to wonder if there is a place for them in this country’s future. If our children stop believing in Malaysia, then what have we really won?
Every faith in this country teaches the same truth about leadership: integrity, compassion and the duty to protect harmony. Greed and hatred don’t just harm individuals; they poison societies. We are one human family and unity is a responsibility.
These are not just words; they are a compass. Diversity is not our weakness; it enriches our culture and broadens our perspective but without maturity, it is fragile. It demands leaders who understand that words carry consequences and that broken trust is hard to restore. It also reminds us why we chose to be one nation in the first place.
Leadership is not about winning by division but about solving problems and lifting people up.
Race and religion don’t have to be weapons; they can be gifts. But only if we refuse to let anyone use them against us. As citizens, we must choose courage over fear, build bridges and remember: unity is what holds us together.
K.T. Maran
Seremban
