The Need for a Stronger National Unity Council
Petaling Jaya: A former deputy minister of national unity has called for the empowerment of members of the National Unity Council to openly address public figures, including politicians, who spread extremist or race-centric views. Ti Lian Ker emphasized that enforcement authorities must take the council’s recommendations seriously, otherwise the body would remain ineffective and its decisions would appear as mere formalities.
Ti, who served as deputy minister from May 2020 to August 2021, highlighted that racial harmony in the country has been significantly challenged by recent rhetoric. He pointed out that some politicians, on both sides of the political spectrum, have used race-baiting tactics to attract support, despite the potential for division within the nation’s multiracial community.
Empowering the council to act decisively could prevent such issues from escalating. “We cannot afford to wait until things get out of hand, as the damage could be irreversible,” Ti told FMT.
He was responding to the recent appointment of 12 new members to the National Unity Advisory Council. This group includes academics like Sharifah Munirah Alatas and Tajuddin Rasdi, as well as activists such as Johan Ariffin Samad.
Enhancing the Council’s Role
Ti stressed that the council should meet more frequently and be able to convene immediately when urgent matters threaten racial, religious, and social harmony. “Unity cannot be protected through occasional, superficial meetings,” he said.
The National Unity Advisory Council, established in 2020, is tasked with advising the government on issues related to national unity. It includes community leaders, representatives from non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and experts in the field of unity. According to the Ministry of National Unity, the council meets six times a year.
Ti believes that for the council to be credible and effective, it must be granted real authority, independence, and the ability to respond quickly to pressing issues. “Otherwise, it risks becoming just another symbolic institution with no tangible impact on the ground.”
Key Recommendations for the Council
To ensure the council fulfills its purpose, Ti outlined several key recommendations:
- Regular and Frequent Meetings: The council should not only meet regularly but also hold emergency sessions when necessary to address urgent threats to national unity.
- Enforcement of Recommendations: Authorities must take the council’s advice seriously and implement its recommendations to avoid making the body appear ineffective.
- Empowerment of Members: Council members should have the authority to publicly reprimand individuals whose statements could harm national cohesion.
- Involvement of Diverse Stakeholders: The council must continue to include a wide range of voices, including academics, activists, and community leaders, to ensure balanced and informed decision-making.
- Focus on Urgent Issues: The council should prioritize addressing issues that directly impact racial, religious, and social harmony, rather than focusing on less critical matters.
Conclusion
Ti Lian Ker’s comments highlight the importance of a proactive and empowered National Unity Council. With the right tools and authority, the council can play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s social fabric and preventing divisions caused by divisive rhetoric. As Malaysia continues to navigate complex social dynamics, the council’s effectiveness will be vital in fostering lasting unity and harmony among its diverse population.