(Part 2) Former Ambassador Dato Dr Ilango Karuppannan speaks up on the need for consensus
M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
The negative perception of Malaysia in international media will hurt the country in the long run.
“Make no mistake about it. A negative perception would jeopardise our progress. Malaysians are young, and politicians are getting younger. They have not seen how Malaysia was in its early years.
“We did not have these highways, and many parts of the country did not have electricity, piped water, or telephones. Fortunately, we learned the right lesson in 1969 (13th May Racial riots) and managed to build racial harmony,” former Ambassador Dato Dr Ilango Karuppannan noted in a recent YouTube posting.
“As I had pointed out earlier, it was with harmony that we could progress. I have been posted to some of the least developed countries in the world and visited many others. I have seen how countries can be ruined when race and religion is used to create hate and division. I could not help thinking how lucky we were to have got the right formula - racial harmony.
“So, it is time we had a severe discussion about saving Malaysia from self-destruction. We need a New Consensus,” said the ambassador, who was High Commissioner to Lebanon and Cyprus.
He had also served in many other countries, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the United States.
What is the New Consensus?
“As I explained earlier, multiracial harmony is a core national interest because it is the key to Malaysia’s survival. So, before taking any action, I would like to ask everyone, whether you are leaders, followers, influencers, writers, academics, or NGOs, to test your ideas through the lens of this national interest.
“Ask whether your actions or words would create unity and harmony, encourage cooperation, or create animosity or polarisation. If the answer is yes, then by all means, go ahead. If the answer is no, then stop creating negative perceptions. Or ask yourselves if there is another way of approaching the matter.
“Can it turn into an opportunity to teach and foster cooperation?”
In his conclusion, Dr Ilango summarised his points.
- Multi-racial harmony is key to our national survival
- It is a core for national interest because it creates a positive image of us in the international community, allowing us to attract investments, development and progress.
- A positive perception also gives us respectability in international affairs.
- Preserving multi-racial harmony should be our main compass and consideration in every action.
- Each of us has a role in protecting this national interest.
- Before acting, please process your ideas through the national interest filter by asking if your action would create unity, cooperation, or disharmony and hatred.
- If it passes the unity test, go ahead. If not, stop and consider positive ways of doing things.
Dr Illango pleaded: “Let's not carelessly push the country to self-destruction for short-term gains. Looking ahead, we must navigate an uncertain future. Let us not damage the country’s resilience by irresponsible identity politics.
“I encourage everyone to reflect on how you can protect Malaysia's national interest and foster unity in our society. A national dialogue is needed to reach a consensus. Let's start a conversation about this New Consensus to build a better future for our country together,” said Dr Ilango.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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