Let us return to the Malaysia we once had

R. Muralitharan's opinion piece highlights the importance of unity in Malaysia, not just for the Malay community, but for all Malaysians. Muralitharan criticizes politicians who exploit racial sentiments for political gain, as this creates divisions and undermines the nation. He recalls the Malaysia of the 1970s, when people lived like one big family, respected each other's cultures, and looked out for one another.

However, over time, political narratives shifted, leading to fear and insecurity among communities. Muralitharan emphasizes that division is not a natural state of society, but rather a result of leaders encouraging racial tensions through their rhetoric. To move towards a more united Malaysia, he suggests focusing on three key aspects: a shared social contract, an inclusive economy, and leaders who unite rather than divide.

He calls for mutual respect, policies that benefit all communities, and leaders who prioritize national issues over racial divisions. Ultimately, Muralitharan questions what Malaysians are uniting for and believes that the answer lies in rebuilding the values that once brought the nation together.