In a country where there are many different stakeholders, I find a single message is not enough, especially when the stakeholders are made up of different races. What exacerbates this problem is that different political allegiances and individual preferences have created a convoluted environment where one cannot see the light from the darkness.

For example, if I were to make a statement to Malaysians, I realise that the Malays keep quiet. It could be that they do not understand the message, distrust my message or apathy. On the other hand, when I create a message for the Malays, the same reaction applies to a minority group of Malaysians - let’s call them the extreme anti-establishment.

Thus, I was left pondering for a few days, is it too much to ask for a common ground so that we can move forward? Are we beyond repair? Have excessive wants taken over basic needs?

A friend once told me that it was the minority group that has pushed some Malays from a liberal (open minded and centrist) standpoint to that of being of right wing. Thus, it seems that the battle of the Supreme Right and the left will continue and forcing Malaysians to choose sides.

Although lines of communications between the differing sides are open, it seems that each has its own interpretation of - war, peace, democracy and popular will. Yet each side realises the insurmountable damage that they themselves can inflict on the nation.

Another friend has pointed out that perception and reality regarding an individual’s mindset are often contradicting with each other. It is only during times of sheer pressure that will we see their true colours. Henceforth, I will hold that, inherently, a majority of Malaysians are racist in nature. This is a fact that we cannot run away from.

Whilst racial prejudice is not merely based on colour lines, it is inherently deeply rooted in our conscious selves. The policies of today are the heritage of our colonial past and the subsequent years of turmoil following independence. Glass ceilings within our corporations and class structure within Malaysian society further fuel unnecessary arguments.

Honestly, it can be very exhausting trying to discuss on moving forward when individual wants exceeds the needs and it does not help that incessant finger pointing still occur. If we focus too much on the cause of each of our problems, the answers will be endless and lead to more arguments.

Let us look at the Bersih 4 and red shirt rallies. Two differing points of view that converged onto Kuala Lumpur on different days. One message asks for reform another asking for racial supremacy. What is common amongst both rallies is that there is a lack of leadership that can unite Malaysians with a common vision. A strong leadership, on either side, can eliminate the scourge that plagues our nation - greed, apathy and intolerance.

The solution to Malaysian society is to recognise that we are indeed individuals and like the red, blue, white and red of the Malaysian flag it is the individuals that make up Malaysia. The individuals who, through respect of each other, formed a universal Malaysian bond that allowed us to move forth.

It is with these individuals that our specialities and expertise can be harnessed for the greater good. Like our body, we will not be able to function if each body part decides to demand and dictate what each should be doing.

Realistic timelines

Likewise, our solutions should not be made in haste. Whilst we desire a steadfast leadership, we must also demand realistic timelines. Any beautiful monument was not built in a day. It took months of design, detailed study and construction.

Thus, patience is key.

To those that say they have waited x number of years for a solution, my question to them is - who is your leader? Does your leader realise the different stakeholders that make this nation? Does your leader command the respect of the stakeholders?

The choice is not merely between resistance and retreat, between racial holocaust and surrender. We should not intend to abandon our duty to mankind to seek for a peaceful solution. The people of Malaysia deserve to seek genuine understanding amongst each other and not concession of our rights that are enshrined in our constitution.

A country and its citizens without a vision will always return to its past.

TARIQ ISMAIL is the founder of Facebook page Aura Merdeka and is the grandson of Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman.