LETTER | There is increasing public alarm about the current state of national unity and social harmony in our country. Even our new Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, at his installation on July 30, expressed his concern and cautioned "the people to refrain from inciting misunderstanding by raising matters that could undermine and destroy harmony in the country." The Agong further said "Unity and harmony were the pillars and strength of the nation" adding that "playing with fire will burn not only oneself but the whole village."

The Sultan of Perak has been reported to have said "[...] the future of the country and its people should not be entrusted to groups with extreme racial and religious understanding and those with narrow and short-term political aims should not be allowed to hijack the voice of unity and moderation [...] 

"It is important to avoid committing things that hurt others' feelings, deny the rights of one race or violate the basic things as agreed upon when forming the Federal Constitution". More recently, His Royal Highness was reported to have said that the voices that instil hatred between races and religions were still growing even after 62 years of independence, adding "[...] these excessive provocations between races and religious groups are a threat to our country."

Every day in the print and social media, concerned Malaysians from all walks of life express their views against racism, hate politics, toxic rhetorics, polarising polemics and religious bigotry. Commonly, the task of righting the wrong is assigned to "our leaders" or some "authority". One recent example is the suggestion that "the (de facto) minister of national unity and social wellbeing draft a declaration to be called "Putrajaya Unity Declaration 2019".

Our prime minister, however, at the Agong's installation mentioned above, reminded us that "the effort to increase the unity among the people does not rest on the shoulders of the government alone; it is a collective responsibility." 

Therefore, while we can continue to vent our frustrations, express our concerns, assign blame and urge action by our leaders and the "authority", it behoves concerned citizens to consider what we can do ourselves as individuals and groups of individuals representing our various organisations, to counter the unhealthy trend.

It is in line with the notion of "shared responsibility" that a group of concerned citizens representing a number of civil society organisations established in 2016 the Dialog Rakyat initiative as a citizens' platform for promoting national cohesion and unity. 

Now that national unity and social harmony are being blatantly undermined, it is important and timely to be reminded of the Dialog Rakyat Code of Ethical Conduct (CEC) that was agreed upon at the end of the first dialogue in December 2016. 

This CEC can be the principles guiding our attitude and behaviour towards each other in a multiracial, multiethnic, multicultural, multilingual and multi-religious Malaysia. It embraces all the values, wishes, aspirations and hope that have frequently been expressed in the media by many concerned citizens. The CEC is as follows:

"We, the Concerned and Responsible Citizens of Malaysia, undertake therefore to adopt a set of behavioural patterns that embodies Moderation, Respect, Understanding, Trust, Transparency, Tolerance and Accommodation that reflects

• respect for one another regardless of ethnicity, religion, geographical region, status or political leaning
• recognition of our similarities and acceptance of our differences

We, the Concerned and Responsible Citizens of Malaysia agree to

• respect the Federal Constitution and uphold the Rukunegara so as to preserve the independence and sovereignty of our nation
• promote activities that nurture civic consciousness, civic nationalism, patriotism, national cohesiveness, harmony, and unity at all levels of society
• advocate justice and fairness, transparency and integrity in all aspects of management and governance
• resolve contentions and differences through constructive engagement always seeking equitable, mutually beneficial outcomes
• refrain from actions that offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate others
• reject any form of discrimination, bigotry, extremism, unjustified acts causing harm to any individual or group, including any actions that can disrupt harmony and cohesion
• fight corruption and kleptocracy at all levels and in all its manifestations

We, the Concerned and Responsible Citizens of Malaysia, resolve to

• adhere to and promote the Code of Ethical Conduct
• mobilise citizens towards a Citizen Movement for National Cohesion and Unity".

The CEC has been promoted and translated into 'Actionable Practices' at individual and group levels through a series Dialog Rakyat (DR) organised together with a number of joint conveners involving residents associations and Rukun Tetengga, universities and schools.

The DR initiative is now promoting the concept of 'Harmoni-Mesra' as a means of achieving sustained and enduring national cohesion, unity and harmony. This concept is based on two factors: firstly, recognising the importance and the need to increase "harmony moments" i.e. the many activities that bring members of communities together to interact, socialise, break down barriers, exchange experiences, strengthen friendship and rekindle the spirit of muhibah and the practices of neighbourliness; social activities that are frequently organised by many groups, organisations, residents associations etc. 

Secondly, to enhance the benefits of "harmony moments" by encouraging meetings and discussions to promote the understanding of our national heritage, cultures, values and national aspirations. 

This will add the rational and emotional components to the social one of harmony moments, to foster and achieve Harmoni-Mesra environment and way of life, the CEC being the guiding principles. 

Future Dialog Rakyats will now be promoting "Harmoni-Mesra Malaysian Communities" for neighbourhood communities, i.e. residents associations and Rukun Tetangga, and other groups and a "Harmoni-Mesra Generation" for the school and university communities.

The writer represents the organising committee and joint conveners of Dialog Rakyat.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.