THIS year's 67th National Day theme, "Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka" (spirit of independence), encapsulates the essence of a nation striving for development encompassing social, cultural and economic dimensions.
Since gaining independence in 1957, Malaysia has embraced its multicultural identity.
National unity has been the cornerstone of our development, supported by policies and initiatives that fostered integration and mutual respect among the ethnic communities.
As the country matures, it becomes evident that unity transcends social constructs and emerges as an economic imperative.
The spirit of "Jiwa Merdeka" includes economic freedom, essential in bridging societal gaps and ensuring that every Malaysian can take part in the nation's prosperity.
Malaysia's pursuit of economic unity has seen several milestones, notably the introduction of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in 1971, aimed at eradicating poverty and restructuring society to dissociate race from economic function.
While the NEP made strides in addressing economic disparities, it also revealed the inequalities that challenge the nation today.
As Malaysia continues to evolve, the focus must shift to developing policies that address contemporary needs without alienating any community.
There is a need to adopt a more inclusive economic framework that emphasises on sustainable growth and equitable wealth distribution.
Strategies should include strengthening education and skills development to ensure access to education and vocational training, particularly in underserved areas.
In boosting social safety nets, unemployment benefits, healthcare and housing assistance should be expanded to reduce poverty and provide support to vulnerable groups.
The promotion of inclusive economic growth will foster policies that prioritise job creation, entrepreneurship and small business development.
In encouraging regional development, the authorities must address regional disparities through investments in infrastructure, education and healthcare.
The implementation of progressive taxation could reduce income inequality and ensure that wealth is distributed more equitably to fund social programmes.
The National Unity Index (IPNas) serves as a vital tool in assessing the social health of the nation, measuring factors such as social integration, tolerance, trust and mutual respect among the ethnic groups.
In 2022, Malaysia's level of unity was assessed as "moderate", with an IPNas score of 0.629, reflecting an improvement from 0.567 in 2018.
The index categorises scores into four levels: poor unity (0.0-0.24), low unity (0.25-0.49), moderate unity (0.50-0.74) and high unity (0.75-1.0).
Indicators influencing the index include ethnicity, inter-ethnic relations, racial ethos, and governance and development.
The government aims to boost this score to 0.7 by 2025, aligning with efforts seen in other nations striving for improved social cohesion.
This progress indicates a growing sense of shared national identity. However, challenges persist, particularly regarding economic disparities.
The index highlights that regions with lower economic opportunities often exhibit weaker social cohesion, emphasising the need for policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable distribution of resources.
As Malaysia commemorates its National Day, it is essential to reflect on the importance of economic unity in building a resilient and harmonious nation.
By addressing economic disparities and promoting inclusive growth, Malaysia can ensure that all citizens can thrive and contribute to the nation's success.
The nation must remember that unity is the foundation on which its future will be built.
May this day serve as a reminder that true independence is not merely the absence of colonial rule, but also the presence of economic equity, social cohesion and mutual respect among the communities.
May the spirit of "Jiwa Merdeka" inspire us to work to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
* The writer is chief operating officer, Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (Masa)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times