This year, Malaysia is celebrating its 60th birthday since independence. We are blessed with the opportunities of cross-cultural interaction as we grow up in a multicultural society. Without having to travel to another country, we can easily learn from each other on issues related to cross-cultural interaction through the years.

Multiculturalism has been the foundation of this great nation. As a kid, we play the same games, crack the same joke, share the same childhood memories, eat the same food, the list goes on. The fact that our communication that includes more than one languages in one sentence, sometimes being referred to as ‘rojak’ where nobody other than Malaysians can understand and it is unique in its own way.

Being multi-lingual has given us huge advantages in communicating with people from various cultural and language backgrounds.

Questions remain whether the differences in languages, cultures, religions and beliefs are benefiting the community, or dividing the community? Regardless what the current stage one would think it is, there are a number of ways we can consider bringing this country forward, and some of these are nothing new to us - research would suggest that cultural intelligence (CQ) is vital in today's globalised environment, in addition to IQ and EQ.

A famous quote by our first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, “Our future depends on how well many different kinds of people can live and work together.”

For those of us who are born and raised in a country where multiculturalism is recognised in the constitution and where cultural and religious diversity are not new to us, there is no other country that is better than Malaysia to offer this unique environment for us to develop this skill, which will create competitive advantages for us in a globalised era.

Research by Universiti Malaya has shown that integration in a multicultural context is still challenging for Malaysia. Researchers Abu Bakar Nordin, Norlidah Alidah Alias and Saedah Siraj have concluded that “due to historic relationship of the minority groups to the country, their different cultural traditions as well as different aspirations, a common culture, language and aspiration towards a single national identity appears problematic.”

Strength in diversity

There is obvious strength in diversity, and there are obvious challenges at the same time to find unity in such context. Political, business and community leaders, regardless of race, religion, belief or political standpoint must recognise this.

Multiculturalism and harmony need to be at the heart of all decision-making processes. Words and actions which are potentially causing disharmony must be avoided in both public and private conversation. One must recognise that self-identity based on skin colour, culture and religion is dividing us rather than uniting us.

• We should be proud of the fact that we have a common national language - Bahasa Malaysia. Language barrier is the main factor of community isolation. A strong command of Bahasa Malaysia is nonetheless important for community integration. The Education Ministry’s approach to encourage students to also take up Tamil and Chinese languages in school is also great. However, we shouldn’t compromise on the fact that there also needs to be a strong command of English among Malaysians, particularly youth because a strong English competency will enable us, regardless of races, to communicate and compete equally in this globalised environment.
   
• We need governments, federal, state and local, to commit by actions to the principle of multiculturalism, in the spirit of our forefathers and in accordance to our constitution. There is a need for initiatives and projects across ministries and portfolios to promote and strengthen the spirit of multiculturalism. We can’t afford to have a Nato - No Action, Talk Only approach in our governance. Real commitment and real action are needed where the results will also need to be specific and measurable.
   
• An independent anti-discrimination body that has limited or zero influence from different parties need to be set up with the purpose of enforcing anti-discrimination laws and promoting equality in the society. This should be implemented in addition to introducing an explicit multicultural policy, which welcomes and values diversity. An effective policy implementation will serve as a great path in nurturing the mindset of the people on multiculturalism.
   
• Collective effort among governments, civil movements, businesses and society in general is needed in tackling discrimination. We should all at least do our duty of care by refraining from making racial remarks and at the same time, call out inappropriate remarks and actions that could potential cause disharmony. Social harmony in Malaysia has been long damaged by unhelpful comments from senior political leaders who use racial tensions for their own purposes. Fears and prejudices between communities and cultures stoked by senior leaders as a mean to further their political interest. Same applies to removing discriminatory legislation and social policies that seek to advance one race over another. Together, we must put an end to racial segregation. This includes rejecting the ‘divide and conquer’ attitude by some of the leaders.
   
• The common goals of achieving peace through religions need to be highlighted more, while understanding the differences in practices and teaching. Religious leaders must be open enough to embrace one another while understanding the fact that the national interest, defined by political stability, economical prosperity and social harmony needs to be put above anything else. Open and common dialogues among religious leaders can be encouraging in leading a way towards mutual understanding.

Above all the points mentioned above, education is a key pillar in tackling discrimination. Benefits of multiculturalism need to be embedded in the education curriculum as it will nurture the mindset of future generation of leaders. Initiatives such as Malaysia Day are great. However, the element of multiculturalism needs to be a main highlight in important celebrations.

Trust, mutual respect, understanding are all principles for success in any human’s relationships. A shift in mindset is crucial in achieving this.

Cultural harmony must be preserved before disunity becomes a toxic cell spreading like a cancer in our society. A harmonious multicultural society will provide Malaysia a competitive advantage in terms of tourism, international trade, foreign relationships and others. It will ensure Malaysia continue to be a world renowned nation.

It's time for us to re-embrace multiculturalism.

THOMSON CH’NG is a returning Malaysian youth, immediate past president of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) and Australia’s State of New South Wales International Student of the Year 2013.