Time For A Drastic Overhaul Of The National Unity Ministry If It Doesn T Measure Up To Expectations

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THE proposal for a minister for non-Muslim religious affairs minister has been shot down by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who felt that there was no need for such a ministerial post while some political parties had also stated their opposition to this idea.
This being the case, there is therefore a need for an alternative and it is to transform the present lethargic National Unity Ministry whose minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, has been criticised for the timid and lackadaisical approach in dealing with explosive racial and religious issues.
The National Unity Minister and his deputy K. Saraswathy have much power in dealing with sensitive issues but the ministry’s laidback attitude is the main problem.
The ministry needs to be proactive and aggressive in mediating to end divisive and destabilising matters that affect the nation and polarise communities.
Last year was a good example of how religious matters were weaponised and blown out of proportion; the resulting disharmony that ensued was clear for the whole nation to see.
The National Unity Ministry had remained passive instead of making efforts to mediate and calm the toxic situation.
The ministry has enough authority and powers to prevent people from inflaming the situation but if it does not use them, nothing can be done.
There have been calls for a Cabinet reshuffle for a more proactive and effective minister to helm the ministry. At a time when issues are blown out of proportion the ministry needs a firm hand to deal with the situation.
Perhaps there is no need for a non-Muslim religious affairs minister, but the National Unity Ministry should be strengthened and empowered to deal with both divisive racial and religious affairs that arise from time to time.
The ministry more than any other government department needs a multi-racial staff who can understand the issues and act proactively. The problem now with this ministry is that there is a dearth of non-Malay staff and this is reflected in its lack of action and passivity.
The department need to be aggressive in promoting national unity considering the diversity of the country and not be intimidated by politicians and leaders who cross the line.
The government has been a strong proponent of 3R (race, royalty and religion) issues and therefore why is the National Unity Ministry not being aggressive in defending them?
The ministry has the support and power of the government but does not use its authority to firmly deal with divisive issues.
There is so much that the National Unity Ministry can do to make it a dynamic and progressive one by visiting diverse houses of worship, taking part in celebrations, Open Houses and events, attending meetings of associations, discussions and consultations with stakeholders, and holding dialogue sessions to promote multi-racial and multi-faith government policies.
National unity encompasses both racial and religious issues and in the hands of a capable minister the ministry can be involved in a lot of events and affairs to promote and sustain unity and solidarity in both East and West Malaysia.
It will be better for a Peninsula Chinese, Indian or Eurasian to helm the ministry whose main focus will be the situation in West Malaysia where issues regularly get out of hand.
The present minister who hails from East Malaysia where ethnic and religious harmony is more entrenched and respected does not fully understand the situation in the Peninsula where religious and racial issues simmer at times especially in the last few years.
Should the National Unity Ministry continue to be passive then there is an urgent need to drastically overhaul the ministry with new appointments to make it play the important role it is empowered to do to sustain and nurture national unity in diversity. 
V. Thomas is a Focus Malaysia viewer.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT. 
- Focus Malaysia.

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