MALAYSIA recently celebrated its 65th anniversary of Independence followed by Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
For a country that is shaped by ethnic, religious and cultural diversity, this unique character and identity of the country is something that we as Malaysians are always proud of.
Generally, Malaysians have no qualms about living in harmony. However, we should also be wary of things that can divide us.
When talking about unity and social cohesion, we often highlight the differences in culture, ethnicity and religion as obstacles to achieving the goals of those noble objectives.
We tend to stress that those differences are the ones that make it difficult for us to achieve unity, harmony and peaceful coexistence.
To achieve sustainable and long-lasting peace and harmony, it is important to understand the matter comprehensively and view it from multidimensional perspectives.
Sometimes, conflict and chaos are not caused by the cultural, ethnic or religious differences. After 65 years of independence and decades of living together, these differences are in general well understood and accepted.
Most Malaysians are generally proud of our unique diversity as this has become part of our identity as a multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious community.
We have the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara as our guide on how to respect and live together amidst differences.
In addition, we are able to celebrate our cultural uniqueness, accept the fact that religiously we are different and respect one another regardless. We stand tall together as a nation through our times of highs and lows.
Nonetheless, there are other factors that can actually threaten our harmony and peace, being differences in political ideologies and partisanship.
Malaysians are rather apprehensive and at the same time keen on what happens in the country, politically.
Political party rivalry, sentiments and conflicting political ideals can put a dent on the efforts aimed at creating sustainable peaceful coexistence and good relations among people and groups in the country if not addressed constructively.
Politicians often look elsewhere for reasons of division and disunity in the country, without realising that sometimes, they are the cause of the problems.
Political sentiments among the public and especially among political supporters are driven by remarks, actions and speeches of political leaders which become signals to their followers on how to react.
As the country gears up for the 15th General Election, it is important for leaders to ensure that competitions and rivalry among political parties for seats in the Parliament or even the State Legislative Assemblies do not become factors of disharmony, disunity and conflict.
When campaigning, political leaders must be responsible for their words and actions.
Responsible leaders will seek to minimise chaos and elements that can cause harm to the stability of society and prevent themselves from sowing the seeds of discontent among the people.
Instead, leaders should assert their influence to nurture better relationships and promote ties of kinship among groups and peoples of the country.
In Islam, leadership must be based upon faith in God the Almighty and total submission to God's Will. A true leader will also use his position of leadership to further enhance his moral character and strengthen his faith in the religion.
A good and exemplary leadership character is about bringing goodness to the society as a whole.
Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran: "We also made them leaders, guiding by Our command, and inspired them to do good deeds, establish prayer, and pay alms. And they were devoted to Our worship." (Al-Anbiya', 21: 73)
Thus, sincere and responsible leaders will shoulder their duties with integrity, dignity and passion.
They need to be made aware that they are the prime agents of peace and harmony if they are truly sincere to their cause of shaping great future for the country and its people.
Every Malaysian has a duty to preserve harmonious relations and peaceful coexistence among the people.
Any attempt to disrupt the relations among Malaysians which can instil hatred should be condemned by all.
We must stand together to reject divisive elements in the country.
The writer is fellow at the Centre for the Study of Shariah, Law and Politics, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)