Appreciating diversity through leadership

> Enizahura Abdul Aziz is Senior Researcher Officer at Ikims Centre for the Study of Syariah, Law and Politics. The views expressed are entirely the writers own.

TOMORROW marks an important date in the Malaysian 2014 calendar. It not only signifies a beginning of another new year in the western calendar but also the first day of the Visit Malaysia Year celebration. A nation like Malaysia that is rich with historical and cultural colours is undoubtedly an interesting attraction for tourists who seek living evidence of harmony and peaceful co-existence.

A country that has a long list of historical baggage that shapes its current face will indeed encounter many obstacles in its path towards stability. Malaysia is also made up of its very own historical significance that moulds the nation into what it is today. Time after time we have been reminded of the importance of appreciating the uniqueness of this nation. Leaders from all walks of life have called for Malaysians to look at this aspect of social diversity as an asset that needs protecting for the nation to remain strong and resilient.

The leaders of the country have to realise that they are the prime agents who should leverage upon the cultural and ethnic plurality to become pillars of strength in building a better nation. This aspect of leadership is often forgotten by those who only see their positions as stepping-stones to further their personal interests. Therefore it is important to look back on the true meaning of leadership and its role in achieving unity in this country.

Known to all, leadership is the ability to enthuse and mobilise others to embark on collective action in pursuit of the common good. Davis (1967) defines it as the human factor which binds a group together and motivates it towards goals. In todays world, one of the main tasks of leadership is to have a good understanding of the current political, economic and social dynamics. Leaders ability to address the related concerns will enable them to face and overcome any adversity.

From the Islamic perspective, leadership must be based upon faith in Allah the Almighty and total submission to Allahs will. A true leader will use his position of leadership to further enhance his moral character and strengthen his faith in the religion. Malaysian leaders need to be made aware that their ability to unite the society is integrant in achieving the goals of a successful nation.

Political leaders of the country must realise that they have the legitimate power entrusted by the people to lead the nation towards the right path and future. For these leaders, the positions that they have today must be considered as great responsibilities that need to be shouldered with integrity, enthusiasm and dignity. They must learn to become agents of change and learn to accept the reality that the country and its populace evolved rapidly with the challenges put forward by the world today.

In facing this, leaders must learn to be innovative and creative to ensure that they remain not just relevant but also well liked for the right reasons. They also must be brave and patient in their struggle for positive change in the society. They too need to form a sense of unity among themselves and set aside any ill feelings against each other which may be due to power rivalries or partisanship.

These leaders need to realise that the knowledge, wisdom and experience that they have with them can be used to encourage people to concentrate on commonalities instead of focusing on the differences. Sometimes, we must acknowledge that there are elements in the cultures and religions which need to be respected and accepted as belonging to their members.

Therefore to highlight them as points of divergence in the society is truly unacceptable. Responsible leaders will seek to minimise chaos and elements that can destroy the stability of the society but instead will use their positions to foster better relationship and promote ties of friendship among its followers and other members in the society.

Hence, leaders in the society should become proactive by encouraging mutual understanding and calling for greater togetherness among people in this beloved nation. Any leaders who attempt to use ethnic and cultural differences as the trump card for sectarian political gains should be construed as desperate individuals whose personal interests override the well being of the community and the nation as a whole. As members of the community, we should not condone any elements of prejudice, feelings of hatred and ethnocentricity to become the basis of our interactions with each other.

In sum, all leaders should walk the talk; meaning they should lead by example. It is important to note that many followers take signals from their leaders on the actions that they must take. Harmony and unity in Malaysia can be achieved and preserved if leaders put the nations well-being above their personal interests. Hopefully, with this aim ingrained in the minds and agendas of all leaders, the country will remain an exemplar of a successful nation diversified by cultures, religions and traditions but remaining united in the heart and soul of its people.

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