Keeping Unity Alive: Experts Call For More Community-Driven Initiatives

By Muhammad Nabil Alma Azman and Nurfardlina Izzati Moktar

KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Bernama) -- From gotong-royong (community clean-ups) and visiting neighbours to volunteering in local patrols — everyday activities involving people of all races are essential to keeping unity alive in Malaysia.

Experts and NGO leaders agree that racial harmony should not be a seasonal campaign, but a continuous way of life — and everyone, not just the government, has a role to play.

National Malay Language Icon Lim San Shien said unity must go beyond speeches and ceremonies.

“Unity isn’t something that happens only on stage. It needs to be lived through daily activities — clean-ups, community sports, free tuition, even urban farming,” he told Bernama.

He believes these efforts should be part of a national culture, led by local communities, youth groups and neighbourhood organisations.

Lim, who also serves as Johor’s Unity Ambassador, said cultural programmes like wayang kulit, patriotic films, historical theatre and ethnic fashion shows should become permanent fixtures of Unity Week — not just once-a-year attractions, but events regularly held at local and state levels.

He also called for more intellectual forums, interfaith dialogues and historical discussions to deepen understanding and promote respect between ethnic groups.

Youth, Lim added, should be empowered as “unity agents” through fun, inclusive programmes — from Unity Explorace and ethnic games to cultural mural projects that bring different generations together.

Meanwhile, Dr Anuar Ahmad from the Malaysian Inclusive Development and Advancement Institute (MINDA-UKM) suggested that past national crises, such as the floods or the COVID-19 pandemic — be highlighted as real-life examples of unity, showing how Malaysians stood together in tough times.

“Many young people understand unity in theory, but not in practice. They need more opportunities for real interaction with others from different backgrounds.

“That’s how we cultivate respect, compassion and tolerance — the values that hold our diverse society together,” he said.

Deputy president of Pertubuhan Perdana Nasional, Muhammad Mukmin Nusril, said the upcoming Unity Week 2025 in Penang will be a vital platform to build unity awareness, especially among youth.

He proposed a line-up that includes multicultural exhibitions, youth forums, traditional performances, unity sports, cross-cultural stage plays and open dialogues.

He also highlighted the importance of grassroots-level engagement through clean-ups, traditional games, cooking contests and festive gatherings that bring neighbours of different races and faiths together.

“Unity grows from the ground up — in markets, playgrounds, and daily interactions. What matters most is that these activities feel real and relevant to everyone’s lives,” he said.

Prof Datuk Teo Kok Seong, a fellow at the National Professors Council, added that national unity should not aim to erase differences, but instead celebrate Malaysia’s cultural and religious diversity as a shared strength.

He called for Unity Week to be more than an annual campaign — urging it to spark long-term efforts driven by education, civil society, and the media.

The Unity Week 2025 national-level celebration kicks off on July 17 at the Penang State Stadium grounds in Batu Kawan and runs for four days.

Among the attractions are the “Rumah Kami” exhibition, showcasing the customs, culture and food of various ethnic groups; ethnic villages highlighting Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli heritage; MADANI sales; a 50 per cent police summons discount; and security and military asset displays.

The event will also feature a star-studded concert line-up including Datuk Awie, Stacy, Jaclyn Victor, Black Hanifah, Inteam, Suki Low, Hijjaz and more — along with a Battle of the Bands, mass workouts with ERA radio hosts, and meet-and-greet sessions with local celebrities such as Wany Hasrita, Amira Othman, Ryan Bakery and Eric Fuzzy.

-- BERNAMA