LETTER | Former minister Zaid Ibrahim has been told by the Selangor ruler that he can go back to Kelantan, and not try making a living in Selangor.

Leaving aside what caused the spat, there seems to be a recent "territorialism" that has become a common unofficial declaration of sorts in Malaysia.

First, we heard politicians scream “Balik pendatang” (go home immigrants) targeting Malaysians of Indian and Chinese origin.

Then came along the popular cry of “Johor for Johorians,” followed by cries of “Sabah for Sabahans” and “Sarawak for Sarawakians,” which are also gaining traction.

As such, we have every reason to ask what is happening to the once-Federated States of Malaya that gave us an independent, peaceful, progressive country.

Are we all not Malaysians? Are we not all for a 1Malaysia? Are we not all proud inheritors of a constitutional monarchy that is well anchored on the pillars of democracy? Does Malaysia not belong to all Malaysians?

Must we start segregating citizens according to race, originating countries, and worst now by a hint of rights carved upon territoriality of state boundaries and rule?

We must fight our enemies (within and outside our shores) in defence of our democracy, independence and constitutional monarchy (i.e., upholding our Council of Rulers); but we should not allow anyone – whether subjects or political masters – to divide our people by race, origins, territories and rights.

As the world reels under threat of a World War III – given the unending race for nuclear arms, escalating social unrest, political instability, environmental degradation, and economic uncertainty – do we not see reason and sentiment to bring us all together as one nation of people who alone can guarantee every race, every state and all our nation’s resources remain intact and defended against any threat within and beyond our shores?

For a very small country by comparison, Malaysia cannot afford to be exclusive in its thoughts and actions.

We need to see the entire country with an inclusive spirit of unity, borderless between states, as we collaborate and partner to take the country to the next level of solidarity, strength, defence and success.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.