Going Beyond Race And Religion To Create An Innovative Malaysia

By Ravindran Raman Kutty KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- OF LATE, there have been several issues that we have been saddled with and I feel that, perhaps, with moderation in thoughts and deeds, these issues can be addressed and our beautiful nation can be transformed into a paradise. While moderation can be regarded as not doing something excessively, it also refers to a commitment to balance and wholeness; the recognition of every individual's needs, desires, abilities and goals and living up to the fullest potential of such ambitions within the decision-making process. We should also reflect on Oscar Wilde's words, "Everything ought to be in moderation, including moderation itself — moderation in temper is always a virtue, but moderation in principle is a vice." Virtues allow us to develop our potential and live a better, more purposeful life. Being honest and trustworthy, intelligent and kind, committed and disciplined, grateful and respectful, are virtues that need not be excessive. It is such virtues of moderation that made great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela, who will always be remembered for their undivided service to mankind. Moderation must be practiced through principles. Discipline and behavior are the core principles of life. Moderation stresses on a balance in everything we do in life and criticism of each other’s failures will bring about nothing but despair. Our culture of tolerance must be emphasized through education and the government has done a lot, but sadly, many views are still divided along ethnic lines. The current debate on moderation versus extremism reflects this sentiment. Once the debate hinges on religion and ethnic lines, strong emotions are evoked, preventing us from working together as a community striving to achieve one goal. We must teach our children on the need to live, eat, play and work together. A neighborhood consisting of residents of different ethnicities cannot simply be assumed to be a community of high tolerance and unity. Talking and mixing with the neighbors, visiting each other's homes, helping one another; this portrays tolerance, and must be inculcated amongst the young. Learning begins at home and classrooms and needs a boost. Malaysia's strength is its diversity in culture, being neutral in global politics and moderate in her policies. Rather than focusing on anything sensitive, let's focus on innovation and science that will eventually bring about development through change. Innovation is critical to our development; Malaysia’s growth developed mainly via the agriculture arena. We were the leaders in palm oil research that helped create wealth nationwide; with Felda being one of the biggest beneficiaries of such innovation. Innovation is critical to ensure our continued growth and sustenance. Unfortunately, we still fail to see the urgency in spending more on R&D. Our failure to provide high technology and facilities in encouraging R&D have caused our younger generation to lend their talents and intelligence to other countries, indirectly contributing to the growth of other nations. They have not ceased to boost their abilities and thirst for success; it is our government and leaders who have failed to recognise their presence and allocate finances into sectors which need such expertise and development. Technology and innovation can be collaborative with the right people on board, but without the desired attention and focus, such a process will be overlooked, and the nation will be left behind in the race for supremacy in today’s fast-paced world. Every day, countries and communities are being torn apart by differences in religion and beliefs, lack of tolerance and understanding of one another. Gone are images of peace and unity; replaced with devastating losses and human misery. This should never be the goal of any nation. Malaysia is one of very few countries in the world to be able to boast of its uniqueness of being one nation of various ethnicities as well as its strategic location and abundant natural resources and talent. If we transcend our differences in religion and race, we will achieve only the best and transform thoughts of negativity into ideas of innovation and a lifestyle of moderation. Let's make moderation our way of life. Religion should not be a barrier but a bridge to peace and divergent cultures should not be barricades but rather an avenue for community-building. Moderation is the zest to life at its best. Let us not question whether we are moderate or not, but let us practice moderation in words, deeds and thoughts thus ensuring our nation does not suffer the destructive practices of extremism, chauvinism or bigotry. Moderation should not be ploy during or before a general election. It should be a way of life for all. We should eat side by side, play side by side, pray side by side, live side by side, work side by side yet we don’t have to forsake our religion, culture or values. Let's celebrate the diversity that we are endowed with. Let's throw out extremism. Let's embrace moderation in words, thoughts, deeds, policies and programs, while bring a moderate, united, diverse and dynamic Malaysia. -- BERNAMA