KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s Malaysian Family concept, which he introduced when he was appointed Prime Minister on Aug 20, transcends race and religion and has three main characteristics: inclusivity, common ground and contentment.
The concept, which will form the basis of Ismail Sabri’s administration, also focuses on collaboration among Malaysians in an effort to revive the nation’s economy in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Principal Fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, said the Malaysian Family concept will be easily accepted by the people as it highlights the element of family, which is close to their hearts.He said the concept embodies a combination of values and characteristics that are similar to that of a family.
“This approach also goes with the moral character of a person and is an important foundation of a social institution, hence it is something that should be inculcated in families and societies that comprise people of various ethnicities and religions,” he said in an interview.Likening the concept to a catalyst that can spur the people to unite and rise up to restore a nation that has been hit by a challenging health and economic crisis, Prof Teo said efforts to rebuild the economy and bridge economic disparities will not only forge unity regardless of the people’s political affiliations, but will also drive the factors leading to the success of the Malaysian Family.“It will indirectly create a more harmonious society,” he added.
He said the three areas of focus of the Malaysian Family, namely rebuilding the economy, bridging the economic gap and uniting the people regardless of political affiliation, are crucial to enabling the nation to emerge from the current crisis.
“As the Malaysian Family comprises people from various backgrounds, it is crucial to bridge the economic gap.
“As for our political differences, it is important that we agree to disagree because not every family member subscribes to the same political ideology. We must respect each other’s choices,” he said.
Associate Prof Dr Azman Awang Pawi, a lecturer at the Academy of Malay Studies, Universiti Malaya, said the family-oriented concept creates a sense of being protected and cared for, and also fosters a sense of well-being.
He said the Malaysian Family’s strategic directions, which focuses on the nation’s recovery, also shows Malaysians standing united in all aspects, including taking care of their health and bringing Covid-19 under control.
“We can see that the people, regardless of their race, are working together to address the negative impact of the pandemic. This situation has also indirectly created a spirit of unity,” he said.
During the pre-launch ceremony of the Malaysian Family concept last Friday, Ismail Sabri said the government wants to ignite the spirit of the Malaysian Family.
Likening the concept to a tree, he said: “The roots of the Malaysian Family are based on the Federal Constitution and Rukun Negara, while its branches and twigs elevate the strong values of the Malaysian Family, and when it eventually has leaves, flowers and fruit, the bounty will benefit the rakyat.”
The official launch is scheduled for Oct 22 in Kuching. — Bernama
