We will soon celebrate our 59th Merdeka Day. Every one of us we must surely beam in pride witnessing the socio-economic progress which we have made together as a nation since gaining independence from the British in 1957.

Influenced by diverse colonial rule, Malaysia is probably the most multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-religious nation amongst its Asean neighbours, if not the wider Asian community. Guided by the profound principles of the Rukunegara, we have demonstrated to the world that people of diverse backgrounds can indeed live in harmony, work together and build a great nation.

Ever since we gained independence, we have never looked back. We have continued to enjoy political stability and worked relentlessly, together, transforming our beloved country into an economic powerhouse. We have enjoyed an economic growth rate of up to 8 percent for much of the past 25 years. The fruits of our own labour can now be seen everywhere. Today, we enjoy a quality of life parallel to that of in developed nations.

What has facilitated this success story is our willingness to coexist in peace and harmony, except for the ugly chapter of the May 13 racial riots, which unfortunately sticks out like a sore thumb. The May 13 chapter perhaps reinforces a powerful message that intolerance can shatter years of collective hard work within an instant.

Unfortunately, this unity and harmony, which we have always celebrated, is slowly but surely disintegrating. Ethnic relationships are continuing to deteriorate especially post the 12th general election. An obvious tell-tale sign is the fact that the authorities are now forced to compel citizens to fly the national flag in the run up to Merdeka Day. This is indeed a sad reality which should ring alarm bells.

Racial slurs are becoming a norm these days where vested groups selfishly pawn the well-being of the nation by organising racially-charged demonstrations. Unfortunately all these happenings appear or seemingly appear to be condoned by politicians. We crave for a rebuke from our national leaders, but the culprits continue repeating such lowly acts.

While it is the responsibility of every individual, national unity is eventually shaped by political will. Politicians have to decide if they want a divided or united Malaysia. The peace and stability which we enjoy today can only be sustained if the politicians chose preserve it.

Differences in political ideologies and varying viewpoints are bound to exist in any diverse country, but we must continue to respect each other’s existence. There are bound to be challenges but all that we have achieved thus far must never be traded in ransom.

Agreed that racial polarisation is probably the biggest hindrance in achieving a unified Malaysia, but we have entrusted political leaders and administrative institutions to effectively deal with it. As such, people who walk the corridors of power must react decisively to current realities before we reach a point of no return.

Commendable leadership in a country like ours cannot be judged merely on mega infrastructure development, but it must be grounded on how successfully racial integration is realised.

Selamat Hari Merdeka!

DARSHAN SINGH DHILLON is president, Malaysia Consumers Movement (MCM).