COMMENT | Fostering multicultural understanding in Malaysia

COMMENT | In recent months, there has been constant reference to the 3R (race, religion, and royalty) in Malaysia, highlighting the increasingly polarised ethnic relations in the country.

While these topics provide the cultural dimensions in our daily conversations, they also need to be addressed with care and sensitivity in our multicultural society.

The question that arises is whether Malaysians, after more than 65 years of independence, possess the knowledge and skills to handle racial sensitivities without emotional outbursts.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, one of our former leaders once stated that the Federal Constitution never explicitly proclaimed Malaysia as a multiracial country, emphasising the "Malay-ness" of Malaysia. This has added confusion to the discussion.

So, how should we describe Malaysia to others? Are we a multicultural society, or is one dominant race the defining characteristic of our nation?

Is there a description that can be acceptable to all ethnic groups in the country, or are we still uncertain about our Malaysian identity?

If we wish to describe Malaysia as a multicultural society, we must navigate the intricacies of talking about race, religion, and royalty in a manner that respects and includes all ethnic groups.

Do all the diverse ethnic communities in the country share a common understanding of what it means to live and coexist in a multicultural society, or is this a phrase we have yet to define in terms of form and substance?

In light of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's vision of building a civilised, skilled, and inclusive multicultural society where all ethnic groups will have a place under the Malaysian sun, what role should the rakyat play to support him?

With the rising influence of individuals and interest groups in the name of identity politics, racism, bigotry, discrimination, and religious extremism, the journey ahead may indeed be an uphill battle. There will be competing interests, conflicting identities, confusing ideologies, and ongoing scepticism on the way.

This challenge has been aggravated by recent incidents related to dress codes, liquor sales, gambling, risqué films in local cinemas, foreigners in bikinis in hotel swimming pools, massage parlours, women's hair salons, and rock concerts. These incidents have indicated a lack of understanding of what it takes to present a persona of respect and understanding of the other.

Key characteristics

To foster multicultural understanding, it is crucial to recognise and address these issues. Drawing from studies conducted in multicultural societies, we can identify several key characteristics that Malaysians should develop:

• Self-knowledge of culture: have a deep understanding of our own culture, its values, and beliefs, and be able to describe them to others.

• Understanding other cultures: recognise the values, beliefs, underlying assumptions, and typical behaviours of Malaysians from different ethnic groups beyond book learning.

• Cross-cultural knowledge: understand the histories, heroes, traditions, customs, and social institutions of other ethnic groups when making decisions.

• Respect for diversity: show consideration for the cultures of others and be willing to influence one's own value system.

• Empathy and perspective: approach issues from the perspective of more than one ethnic group to develop a deeper understanding.

• Acknowledging contributions: acknowledge the historical contributions of all ethnic groups to the development of the country.

To be truly inclusive in the context of a multicultural society, we must possess a repertoire of appropriate skills and be sensitive to the nuances, manners, observations, and restrictions when we communicate with fellow Malaysians.

The potential danger we face is when we are comfortable interacting only at the intracultural level – within our own ethnic group. What we must avoid is imposing our values and beliefs on others without understanding their sensitivities.

Our challenge is to ensure that when we make decisions and interact with fellow Malaysians, we are aware of the values and sensitivities of others.

Source of creativity

In moving forward, each of us must find ways to promote the value of inclusivity in the spirit of muhibbah, based on knowledge and understanding of the cultural values and hidden assumptions of the various cultures in the country.

A true Malaysian should embody compassion and respect and not be perceived as ignorant and arrogant, especially when dealing with diversity. After all, diversity is a source of creativity and innovation.

As mentioned in Surah Al Hujurat (49:13): "O mankind, we have created you all from a male (Adam, the foremost father) and a female (Eve, the foremost mother) and formed you into nations and tribes so that you may recognise one another. The noblest among you with God is most conscious and fearful of Him. God is All-Knowing and All-informed."

This verse carries a profound implication for our multicultural society: the purpose of diversity is to "know each other" to learn from one another, and not to despise one another for our differences.

Truly embracing multiculturalism requires respecting the values and sensitivities associated with all ethnic groups in Malaysia. We need to strive for accuracy in our judgements based on our understanding of the complexities and sensitivities of the situation. If this principle had been observed, the recent incidents mentioned earlier would have been better managed in the true spirit of muhibbah (goodwill through coexistence).

In conclusion, fostering multicultural understanding in Malaysia is not merely a noble aspiration but a pressing necessity for the country's future. This endeavour requires an unwavering commitment to respecting, embracing, and celebrating the rich diversity that defines Malaysia.

By developing intercultural skills, empathy, and a shared commitment to unity, Malaysians can lead the way in building a society that thrives on the strength of its multicultural fabric. This journey may be challenging, but the rewards are a harmonious, inclusive, and prosperous Malaysia where every citizen can find their place under the Malaysian sun.

ASMA ABDULLAH is an interculturalist.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.