I AM proud to join all of you in celebrating our 68th National Day and soon, our 62nd Malaysia Day.
This is the fifth consecutive year that I share my thoughts with fellow Malaysians. The responses have been encouraging, and I have enjoyed engaging with many of you who contacted me personally.
Since my last essay, there have been several developments both on the local and international fronts.
Globally, US President Donald Trump has upended the international rules-based order we had in place for decades, amplifying the era of seemingly never-ending crises that we are living in.
This is not just about tariffs, though that is bad enough. It is also about the potentially dangerous developments involving the rivalries between major powers.
There are many experts who say that we are witnessing the end of one era and the birth of a very different new world order.
Fortunately, the news is much more positive domestically.
We have had close to three years of political stability after a period when we had four prime ministers in four years.
This political stability has been instrumental in attracting investors, both foreign and domestic, that are helping our economy maintain its upward trajectory.
The unemployment rate dropped to 3% earlier this year, the lowest in a decade, according to the statistics department, which also reported that inflation – at 1.2% – is the lowest in 51 months.
While this is very encouraging news, we cannot become complacent.
The impact of these economic realities on the ground is somewhat uneven and not all Malaysians are benefitting equally.
We can and must do better in this regard, especially since the expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) and the looming withdrawal of RON95 petrol subsidy later this year will impact the cost of living.
In this context, the 13th Malaysia Plan launched by the government outlines a forward-looking framework that aspires to transform Malaysia into a high-income, equitable and compassionate nation.
It seeks to equip the country with the necessary resilience to navigate the turbulent waters of this uncertain era.
It also makes me proud to see Malaysia gaining positive global recognition for championing peace and good governance in helping build a more inclusive, sustainable and progressive future.
Another highlight is Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean this year. The regional bloc has become a more assertive entity, earning Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim widespread acclaim for his enlightened leadership.
However, it hurts me to say that our beloved country continues to be plagued by the threat of deepening polarisation and fraying of the bonds that bind us as Malaysians.
Certain elements continue to exploit issues of race and religion to advance their own personal interests. Unfortunately, such negative and corrosive rhetoric still attracts a sizable following.
It is particularly worrying that these divisive tactics are being deployed at a time when national unity is vital to help our country compete on the world stage.
We should acknowledge that our diversity is a strength that enriches us as a nation, not something that divides us.
To quote our founding prime minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman said: “We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation.”
We must strongly uphold our shared values and what we have in common with one another as Malaysians, rather than constantly harping on our differences.
This is especially important not just because of the challenges we face now, but the unpredictable future being shaped by AI even while we squabble among ourselves.
AI is poised to reshape every aspect of our lives and society.
Rather than “Artificial Intelligence,” I am beginning to think that AI now stands for “Alien Intelligence!”
Advancements in AI are already impacting the very nature of work and employment.
Even highly specialised sectors, such as education, healthcare, law and finance, which were previously thought to be immune to automation, are now being impacted.
While the debate rages on both the potential and perils of AI, I am an optimist by nature.
I firmly believe that this generation and the next will play a key role in unlocking a golden era of progress.
Imagination, creativity and ethical values are traits that have allowed us to evolve and adapt in overcoming the challenges that stood before us.
These are exactly the qualities that set us humans apart and will give us the upper hand in this Age of Machines.
As I have always maintained, we cannot overcome the challenges of the digital age with an analogue mindset.
This will require changes in the way we think, act and behave.
For one thing, we cannot just rely on the government to solve every national issue.
In the words of the late Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
It is vital that we, as citizens and a society, play a much more active role in shaping a more inclusive, progressive and sustainable future for all.
We have no other choice. This is our country, this is our home, and this is our shared future that we are building.
We are all in this together, my dear fellow Malaysians. Selamat Hari Kebangsaan and Selamat Hari Malaysia.
