GEORGE TOWN: There is an urgent need for more trained community mediators, who are the lynchpin of any multiracial and multicultural society, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
A member of the National Unity Advisory Council, Lee said there are currently 564 trained mediators to manage a country of 34 million people.
This, he said, was grossly insufficient.
"We need many more to go down to the grassroots to address problems arising not only from our usually-recognised differences but also from divergent views, interests and hopes.
"This is because these trained mediators carry a plethora of responsibilities where the three Rs of race, religion and radicalisation can cause deep divisions in communities.
"They are therefore indispensable assets in the process of building social stability, harmony and mutual understanding.
"As such, their role is all the more important in Malaysia which is home to people with ethnic, linguistic, cultural, geographical and religious diversity," he said.
Lee said, as a rough estimate, a proportionate approach based on factors such as population density, diversity and conflict prevalence might suggest an unrealistic figure.
He said further research and consultation with experts in the field would be necessary to develop a more precise, workable and practical figure.
Lee said in diverse societies, conflicts were bound to arise due to misunderstandings or deliberate attempts to stoke the coals in the furnace for political or economic gain.
He said trained community mediators possess the skills to navigate these conflicts peacefully, promoting harmony and cooperation among various groups.
"Community mediators are trained to understand and respect different cultural and religious perspectives.
"This sensitivity is essential for fostering trust and rapport among communities as individuals feel heard and understood, thus reducing the likelihood of tensions escalating.
"In diverse societies, marginalised groups may feel neglected or overlooked but trained community mediators can smoothen feathers and ensure that all voices are heard and considered in the resolution process.
"This will then promote inclusivity and social cohesion," he added.
Lee said by empowering marginalised communities, mediators can help build a more equitable and just society where everyone has a place, a role and a responsibility.
He noted that through education, training and capacity-building initiatives, mediators are equipped communities with the skills and tools needed to build resilient social networks.
"Community mediators also play a crucial role in educating the public about cultural diversity, tolerance and conflict resolution techniques.
"By engaging schools, NGOs and other voluntary organisations through workshops, seminars and outreach programmes, mediators raise awareness about the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives, fostering a culture of peace and acceptance.
"In essence, trained community mediators are indispensable assets in multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multifaceted societies," he said.