BANGI, Sept 23 (Bernama) — Strengthening national identity requires Malaysians to build genuine togetherness, embrace the country’s cultural foundations and master the national language, according to experts.
Universiti Sains Malaysia Centre for Social Sciences lecturer Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Malaysians needed to break down prejudice and stereotypes so that the country’s diversity could be recognised as a shared strength.
“We cannot live side by side as separate communities. We may interact with one another, but we must also come together, build a sense of belonging and share common values as responsible citizens,” he said.
He was speaking as a panellist at the Negara Bangsa Dialogue: Building National Identity and Character programme here today.
Sivamurugan said sustainable unity could be strengthened through the K.I.T.A. framework, which encompasses Kebersamaan (togetherness) in diversity, Inklusiviti (inclusivity) through national identity, Tanggungjawab (responsibility) based on tolerance (tasamuh) and acceptance, and Aspirasi (aspiration) grounded in integrity.
He said Malaysians might come from different ethnic backgrounds and historical lineages, but their commitment to building a harmonious future should be a shared goal.
“We do not need to have the same history, but we need to build the same future. Malaysia is not perfect, but we are the ones who make it better,” he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Institute of Ethnic Studies principal fellow Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong said national identity must be rooted in the country’s historical foundations.
He said although Malaysia had a diverse population, the framework for national culture had been clearly outlined through the 1971 National Cultural Policy and continued under the National Cultural Policy (DAKEN) 2021.
“Cultural identity is reflected in the practices, traditions and values that we uphold. Based on the cultural policy, the core of our national culture is Malay culture and Islamic teachings, while appropriate cultural elements of other communities that do not conflict with it are also recognised and accepted as part of the national culture,” he said.
Teo stressed that every citizen had a responsibility to uphold the national identity, including mastering the national language.
He said proficiency in Malay was not merely a symbol of nationhood but a responsibility of every citizen, as it is the national and official language as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
“Malay is our national and official language, and is also the main medium of instruction in the national education system.
“Therefore, it is not appropriate for any citizen to be unable to speak the national language. What does citizenship mean if one cannot speak it?” he said.
— BERNAMA