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KUALA LUMPUR - Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has floated the idea of introducing a proportional representation system to cultivate a more inclusive generation of young leaders, one that truly mirrors Malaysia's rich ethnic and cultural diversity.
He emphasised that such a move would help prepare the country for its rapidly changing demographic future, while safeguarding minority voices and ensuring they continue to have a seat at the parliamentary table.
Citing projections, Johari noted that Bumiputera Malays are expected to account for 77 per cent of the population by 2050, prompting urgent questions about the future of minority representation.
"I'm convinced proportional representation is the best path forward for our nation. By 2050, Malay Bumiputeras will make up 77 per cent-so where will the minorities go? Where do they fit in? There won't be any constituencies where they are the majority, and the likelihood of them having a voice in Parliament is getting smaller and smaller.
"Think about it. If their voices are silenced, what happens on the ground? That's my concern," he said during his keynote address at the Harmony Symposium, held at the Parliament building today.
Also present was Syahredzan Johan, chairman of the Malaysia Cross-Party Parliamentary Group on Racial and Religious Harmony (KRPPM-KKA).
Johari said discussions on national harmony must look beyond the present, and instead consider the country's challenges over the next five to 100 years.
He stressed that the focus should not be limited to current issues, especially given that Malaysia is home to 77 ethnic groups. The nation's biggest challenge, he said, lies in ensuring that both majority and minority communities understand their respective roles in coexisting as one nation.
"Don't talk about today or yesterday. If we can, let's talk about tomorrow. Let us invest in the future. Yesterday was history… The reality of life is-how do we move forward?" he said.
Meanwhile, Syahredzan, who is also the Bangi MP, said the symposium was organised to bring discussions on racial and religious harmony into the heart of the nation's democracy, to produce policy recommendations and practical mechanisms for Parliament and ministries to consider.
He said KRPPM-KKA aims to build a more inclusive Malaysia through policy and legal reforms, while forging bridges of cooperation between Parliament, the government, civil society, and educational institutions. - BERNAMA