MUET Writing Task 2: "The nation's development is depended on national unity. Discuss."
Found the speech below by Raja Nazrin. Some useful ideas.
Keynote
address by the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, at the first
annual Student Leaders Summit 2007 -- "Celebrating 50 Years of
Nationhood" -- on Aug 5, 2007, at Nikko Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
I
am delighted to be here this morning to deliver the keynote address
at this Summit, dedicated as it is to Youth. All of you in this room
are the creme de la creme of the young generation -- those fortunate
enough and intelligent enough to benefit from the best education. You
are the future leaders of this nation.
This morning, I want to
talk to you about the challenges and prospects for nation-building.
Nation-building refers to the structuring of a country, with the help
of state power, to ensure a strong national identity that is viable
in the long run. It is predicated on national unity and is a topic of
utmost importance to all of us, not least the younger generation.
Fifty years of the national relay race has been run. Soon the baton
will be handed to those of you who will run the next lap. The
Malaysia familiar to most, if not all, of you is the modern
prosperous nation with its increasingly urban population and robust
middle class; not the poor and predominantly agricultural society of
50 years ago. When Malaysia gained independence, we were on a par
with countries like Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ghana, Morocco and
Senegal in terms of per capita income. Today we have far surpassed
these countries in economic growth and human development.
However,
it is important to be aware that this was a far-fetched vision 50
years ago. The first Merdeka generation, almost overnight, found
themselves tasked with an onerous job when Malaysia gained
independence. The country was born against the backdrop of a virulent
communist insurgency. Poverty was widespread, particularly in the
rural areas. There was very little sense of unity and national
identity. The states that made up the federation were only loosely
integrated. Many people regarded themselves primarily as natives of
their state rather than as nationals of Malaya. The enlargement of
Malaya into Malaysia in 1963 was vigorously opposed by our
neighbours, leading to confrontation with Indonesia. After the
traumatic events of 1969, many predicted the imminent disintegration
of Malaysian society.
That we have been able to forge a
successful nation without resorting to the rule of the gun makes us
something of an oddity in a region of coups, civil strife and people
power. This has been due in large part to wise leadership, the innate
good sense of the Malaysian people -- and a bit of luck. Today, the
nine Sultanates, two Straits Settlements and the two states in Borneo
have united in a tangible way despite historical separation and
physical distance. Development policies and communication channels
have managed to fuse together the myriad religions and ethnic groups
and forged a sense of belonging and shared destiny.
Malaysia
is one of the very few countries with a diverse mix of race and
religion that have been able to do this. Our peace momentum is also
demonstrated on the international arena. Malaysia played a seminal
role in the creation Asean and its enlargement from six members to
10, then Asean plus 3. It still has a lead role in the first moves
towards a regional architecture, particularly the East Asian
Summit
Our group culture is very distinct from the
individualism of the west. We participate actively in one another's
cultural and lifestyle choices. We celebrate festivities together, we
learn and speak one another's languages, we wear each other's
traditional costumes, we appreciate different arts and types of
music. A chat over teh tarik is an example of a typically Malaysian
pastime that all races and ages take delight in.
However,
every coin has two sides. Let us not be naive in thinking it is all a
rosy picture. There is still much room for improvement. Interaction
between the ethnic groups, to the extent that it exists, remains more
of an urban phenomenon. In recent years, ethnic identities appear to
have become more explicit. In some instances, what divides us has
become more emphasised than what unites us.
When the New
Economic Policy (NEP) was established, it was to address the problem
of economic function being identified along the lines of ethnicity,
and the problem of widespread poverty. All quarters of society came
to an agreement that in order for nation-building to proceed, certain
sacrifices had to be made to help the underperforming groups. But it
was not a case where one party was to benefit at another's expense.
Distribution was to take place within the context of a growing
economy. It was meant to be a situation of give-and-take that would
result in economic growth shared by all segments of society.
Today,
the give-and-take attitude seems to have dissipated. Malaysians are
exhibiting signs of polarisation along ethnic and religious lines.
Some groups bear grudges against what is perceived as preferential
treatment. Others regard preferential treatment as an indisputable
entitlement.
Moreover, the impasse at the global level between
Islam and non-Islam affects even a moderate country like Malaysia.
Matters of faith are topics of immense controversy. They provoke
overzealousness and coercive action, and drive Malaysians further and
further away from each other. Our diversity was meant to be our
unique asset. The Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara
institutionalised living together in peaceful, harmonious
co-existence. Yet years after Merdeka, we are still grappling with
concerns about unity.
So what are the challenges to
nation-building that we need to face head on? To me, the challenges
are many, but the one that stands out is the need to balance change
with continuity. The current phase of nation-building should be in
tune with the temper of the times to reflect the new realities of the
modern world. We are facing a globalised environment where excellence
and meritocracy are the rule of the game.
Opportunities in the
global world reward those with ability, regardless of colour or
creed. A multi-ethnic country like ours has to be especially
watchful. In the absence of a strong national identity, we are prone
to polarisation and competition along ethno-religious lines.
Therefore, a most expert balancing act is required to maintain
socio-political stability while not losing out on global
competitiveness.
As I have said elsewhere, to ensure sustained
success at nation-building, Malaysians of all races, religions, and
geographic locations need to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that
they have a place under the Malaysian sun. Only when each citizen
believes that he or she has a common home, is presented common
opportunities, given due recognition and is working towards a common
destiny, will he or she make the sacrifices needed for the long
haul.
Managing change is not easy and nation-building does not
occur naturally in any society, let alone a pluralistic one. Allow me
to suggest three essentials for effective and sustained
nation-building.
The first is the Rule of Law and the
inviolability of the constitution. The constitution is the supreme
law of the country which guarantees fundamental liberties to every
citizen. A cleverly crafted document, it clearly provides for
adequate checks and balances against excesses through the separation
of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches --
with each protected from encroachment by the other.
It has
often been said that many a misunderstanding may be avoided if the
principles embodied in the constitution are adhered to strictly.
Upholding the Rule of Law is paramount. In this connection, I can do
no better than to quote the words of Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, a
leading jurist, when she delivered the Sultan Azlan Shah Law Lecture
in Kuala Lumpur last month:
"Law is the bedrock of a
nation; it tells us who we are, what we value. It regulates our human
relationships one to the other and our relationships as citizens with
the state. Law is cultural. It comes out of the deep wellsprings of
history and experience within a country...
"The rule of
law is one of the tools we use in our stumbling progress towards
civilising the human condition: a structure of law, with proper
methods and independent judges, before whom even a government must be
answerable. It is the only restraint upon the tendency of power to
debase its holders. As we know, power is delighful and absolute power
is absolutely delighfful.
"We must be the protectors of
those who are vulnerable to abuse. We have to stand up and be
counted. We have to protect the things that make our nations
great..."
The second element necessary in nation-building
is economic and social justice for all. All groups in society,
regardless of ethnic group, religion or gender, must participate in
making decisions that affect their lives and livelihood. They must
have a voice and a place in all sectors. They must carry equal
responsibilities in making society work. The people we work and play
with, the friendships we make, must never be constrained by
ethnicity. Preconceptions, parochialism and chauvinism can be
eradicated if we interact actively with others of a different ethnic
group or religion -- even if it is just one teacher, one man or one
schoolmate. In many areas, this is absent and it must change.
The
third requisite to nation-building is good governance and a thriving
civil society. Institutions of governance must demonstrate and
generate norms and behaviour that are fundamentally efficient,
productive and just. Only those who are capable, responsible and
scrupulously honest should be allowed to serve in positions of
leadership. Those who are inefficient, incompetent and, most
importantly, corrupt should be held in absolute contempt. There must
also be concrete anti-corruption measures and management practices
based on efficiency, transparency and accountability. It is also very
important that we have leaders who are earnest in maintaining unity,
never resorting to religious or ethnic posturing to further their
political careers at the expense of peace and security. Should they
fail in this respect, they must be held accountable and answerable
before the law.
What can you do to help promote national
unity? I'm going to assume you are still at an age when you are still
idealistic -- that you wish to improve the human condition. That you
are patriotic. That you believe in friendship and peace. That you
would rather build than destroy. You are in the best position to
tenaciously forge this nation. Let me suggest a few ways how you can
contribute towards Malaysia's continued success at
nation-building.
First, get a copy of the Federal Constitution
and familiarise yourselves with it. The constitution is the supreme
law of the land. It guarantees the rights of every Malaysian. As
such, the integrity of that document must be protected.
Second,
study the nation's history, particularly the lives and works of past
leaders who have sacrificed so much for this country. One such leader
is Tun Dr Ismail. He was an exemplary Malaysian. He envisaged a
Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and
without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority. He recognised
the importance of open-mindedness in addressing day-to-day issues and
problems; the importance of listening and learning from others,
particularly from those who are more advanced. He strongly believed
in the principle of life-long learning, visiting other lands and
adopting best practices without losing our core values and our
identity as a nation. He had the interest of the nation at heart and
went beyond the call of duty in the service of his nation. He put his
country above himself and served till the very last day of his life.
The leadership, sincerity, sacrifices and integrity of Tun Dr Ismail
and other leaders of his generation should serve to inspire the next
generation of leaders.
Third, you must take personal ownership
over the wellbeing of the country. Do not succumb to indifference and
apathy. Hold on to your ideals. Do not give way to cynicism and
opportunism. Believe that you can make a difference. Channel your
energies in a constructive manner to bring about positive changes
around you.
Fourth, participate actively in community service
that is geared towards promoting interaction between communities.
Volunteer your spare time and energy to work with Malaysians from
other walks of life and ethnic groups.
Fifth, be prepared to
serve your country to the best of your ability. All of you represent
the valuable future human capital this country needs. The outside
world knows the value of our best brains, which is why they set out
to attract our people, creating a brain drain for us. Do not
exacerbate the problem of the brain drain. Also, do not be averse to
building a career in public service. I believe all of us have some
innate desire to serve. Always think nation first.
More than
anything, Malaysia needs a future generation of leaders with
unquestionable integrity. In countries where specialised expertise
and technical know-how are lacking, they can be imported from
elsewhere. But integrity, by definition, is something that cannot be
bought or hired. You and the quality of leadership you provide are
the key to continued peace and harmony in Malaysia. At a time when
new powers like China and India are rising, we cannot afford to lose
our harmony dividend. It is the anchor of this nation.
The
Merdeka generation after a tough climb managed to make it to base
camp. The summit lies ahead and I can guarantee you that it will be
an arduous climb. But it can also be exhilarating. It will need
climbers who are skilled, courageous, confident and above all,
steadfast. To face the challenges ahead, you need a bedrock faith in
what you and our country stand for. I wish all of you the very best
in your future.