By M.KRISHNAMOORTHY
Today is Malaysia Day.
Sadly, there continues to be a deepening segregation based on race and religion affecting the Malaysian society.
Polarisation has created a polarising atmosphere of hatred.
One Malaysian who stands out to state his views while praising the nation’s progress is Tan Sri Sir Dr Jeffrey Cheah. Signing off as a Malaysian citizen and not as a corporate leader, Cheah speaks up on the deteriorating racial harmony in the country. Malaysia Day message
His Malaysia Day message was published in The Sun, headlined Let’s Actively Leverage our Heritage.
“It hurts me to say that our beloved country continues to be plagued by the threat of deepening polarisation and weakening of the bonds that bind us as Malaysians. Certain elements continue to exploit issues of race and religion to advance their own personal interests. Unfortunately, such negative rhetoric still attracts a sizable following,” Cheah said in his Malaysia Day touching and heartfelt message addressed to the nation: “Dear Malaysia”.
Greeting all Malaysians, Cheah added, “It is particularly worrying that these divisive tactics are being deployed at a time when our neighbouring countries are forging ahead of us. Our strengthened national unity is vital to help our country compete on this challenging world stage. My fellow Malaysians, we must wake up and acknowledge that our diversity is a strength that enriches us as a nation, not something that divides us. In other words, let us actively leverage our multiethnic and multicultural heritage to stand out from the competition in this globalised and hyperconnected world,” Cheah added while stating Malaysia’s positive growth in the past three years.
To quote our founding prime minister, Cheah quoted the late Tunku Abdul Rahman: “We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
Cheah stressed: “We must firmly uphold our shared values and what we have in common with one another as Malaysians, rather than constantly harping on our differences. This is especially important not just because of the challenges we face now, but also because of the unpredictable future being shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) even while we squabble among ourselves.”
Cheah was named in the annual Forbes list ‘Asia’s 2019 Heroes of Philanthropy’ for a third time.
Taking note of Artificial Intelligence, Cheah added: “AI is poised to transform every aspect of our lives and society, including the very nature of work and employment. The pace of innovation is moving so quickly that some experts estimate AI may wipe out up to 50% of all entry-level white-collar jobs within the next few years. But I am an optimist by nature. Through my interactions with young people today, I am confident that they will play a key role in unlocking the potential of AI and ushering in a golden era of progress.
“Their imagination, curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit reinforce my belief that our human traits and ethical values are precisely the qualities that will allow us to evolve and adapt to overcome the challenges that stand before us.
“As I have always maintained, we cannot overcome the challenges of the digital age with an analogue mindset. This will require changes in the way we think, act and behave. For one thing, we cannot just rely on the government to solve every national issue, but simply moaning and complaining will not help.”
Cheah noted: “It is vital that we, as citizens and a society, play a much more active and constructive role in shaping a more inclusive, progressive and sustainable future for all. This is our country, this is our home, and this is our shared future that we are building. We have come this far together. By strengthening our true Malaysian spirit, we can create the Malaysia of our dreams and aspirations. We are all in this together, my dear fellow Malaysians.”
Selamat Hari Malaysia.
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About the Writer/Author
M. Krishnamoorthy is a media coach, adjunct professor, and undercover journalist. With more than three decades of experience, he has contributed to major news outlets like Bernama, NST, and Malaysiakini. He also collaborates with international networks like CNN and the BBC. Visit https://krishnamoorthy-media-ak2vay7.gamma.site/ to learn more about his work.
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