Take challenges in stride
THIS year has been a bumpy ride both on the political and economic
fronts. As a nation we should reflect and look ahead positively.
Noble intentions are many. These need working on daily and in perpetuity as nothing good evolves from negativity and mutual distrust.
Of late, there has been growing intolerance of our diversity on both racial and religious grounds.
On the economic front, the prices of our main export commodities have fallen affecting the value of our currency and the cost of living.
If that is not enough, national security is being threatened by extremism and radicalism by external elements.
Creating aspersions on any single segment of the population based on religious, political, economic or social leanings does not help in fostering unity. It is in fact creating mistrust and more headaches for the authorities.
Perceived credibility deficits and truth deficits are affecting the psyche of the nation. When trust is low, everyone acts selfishly and believes that everyone else will do the same.
We, as members of civil society have a role to play in building a long-term culture of integrity and good governance. These are the building blocks of trust. Each member of the community has to take responsibility in the building of trust.
High levels of ethics, governance and integrity are components that need to be emphasised to ensure a corruption-free country.
Corruption is a scourge which has to be overcome or it will consume us. Whilst greed is insatiable, corruption on the other hand is a mindset.
Without integrity, corruption thrives. This is the reality which some are oblivious to!
To build trust, we must strive to address comprehensively the divisions that exist in society, and which seem to be growing wider over time.
These include not only the familiar ethnic, religious and territorial divisions but also divisions in social class and ideology.
One cannot build a high-trust society if we continue to be polarised in so many ways. It cannot happen if there is unequal or unfair treatment across the many communities and groupings.
All institutions of governance have a role to play and they must be seen to be playing it effectively in the interests of the wider public and not entrenched self-serving pressure groups. Public perception must not be compromised. As a nation we have to stand together and be sure of ourselves and not be swayed by negative emotions especially those which touch on racial and religious diversity. Religious values have to be inculcated continuously at all levels.
Going into 2016, we should celebrate our differences. Do not play up nonexistent threats and be scared of shadows. The law is there to protect and the police should act fairly and firmly based on the rule of law. We should focus our efforts on initiatives to building a more harmonious and mature Malaysia which is able to take all challenges in its stride.
Good governance and strong positive values related to ethics, morality and integrity are the keys to national development.
We have to internalise these values to be able to compete effectively in the global arena.
There is no time for second guessing. Our political masters should lead this crusade by example.
It is a monumental task which all should take responsibility for and be accountable. It must be our New Year resolution for 2016.
WALTER SANDOSAM
Kuala Lumpur
http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2015/12/31/take-challenges-in-stride/
Noble intentions are many. These need working on daily and in perpetuity as nothing good evolves from negativity and mutual distrust.
Of late, there has been growing intolerance of our diversity on both racial and religious grounds.
On the economic front, the prices of our main export commodities have fallen affecting the value of our currency and the cost of living.
If that is not enough, national security is being threatened by extremism and radicalism by external elements.
Creating aspersions on any single segment of the population based on religious, political, economic or social leanings does not help in fostering unity. It is in fact creating mistrust and more headaches for the authorities.
Perceived credibility deficits and truth deficits are affecting the psyche of the nation. When trust is low, everyone acts selfishly and believes that everyone else will do the same.
We, as members of civil society have a role to play in building a long-term culture of integrity and good governance. These are the building blocks of trust. Each member of the community has to take responsibility in the building of trust.
High levels of ethics, governance and integrity are components that need to be emphasised to ensure a corruption-free country.
Corruption is a scourge which has to be overcome or it will consume us. Whilst greed is insatiable, corruption on the other hand is a mindset.
Without integrity, corruption thrives. This is the reality which some are oblivious to!
To build trust, we must strive to address comprehensively the divisions that exist in society, and which seem to be growing wider over time.
These include not only the familiar ethnic, religious and territorial divisions but also divisions in social class and ideology.
One cannot build a high-trust society if we continue to be polarised in so many ways. It cannot happen if there is unequal or unfair treatment across the many communities and groupings.
All institutions of governance have a role to play and they must be seen to be playing it effectively in the interests of the wider public and not entrenched self-serving pressure groups. Public perception must not be compromised. As a nation we have to stand together and be sure of ourselves and not be swayed by negative emotions especially those which touch on racial and religious diversity. Religious values have to be inculcated continuously at all levels.
Going into 2016, we should celebrate our differences. Do not play up nonexistent threats and be scared of shadows. The law is there to protect and the police should act fairly and firmly based on the rule of law. We should focus our efforts on initiatives to building a more harmonious and mature Malaysia which is able to take all challenges in its stride.
Good governance and strong positive values related to ethics, morality and integrity are the keys to national development.
We have to internalise these values to be able to compete effectively in the global arena.
There is no time for second guessing. Our political masters should lead this crusade by example.
It is a monumental task which all should take responsibility for and be accountable. It must be our New Year resolution for 2016.
WALTER SANDOSAM
Kuala Lumpur
http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/letters/2015/12/31/take-challenges-in-stride/
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