Kuala lumpur: Unity among the Malay Muslim community must be strengthened to address a range of social challenges that have become a concern in recent times, said Musyawarah Nasional Social Pillar chairman Datuk Prof Dr Mohammad Shatar Sabran. He emphasized the importance of cohesive support for government agendas, highlighting that historical records indicated the strength of the Malay community 30 to 40 years ago lay not in business or education success, but in unity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammad Shatar reflected on the unity that safeguarded the position of the Malays since independence in 1957. He noted that divisions today allow certain parties to exploit the situation, questioning matters enshrined in the Constitution, including the position of Islam, the rights of the Malays, and the institution of the Malay Rulers.
Mohammad Shatar, who also serves as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) chief executive officer, pointed out that the present situation differs significantly from that of 20 to 30 years ago, with an increasing number of polemics involving the Constitution, the monarchy, the social contract, and religious sensitivities. He stressed that unity should not be interpreted as denying the rights of other races but understood within the Federal Constitution's framework, which upholds balance and harmony.
He also mentioned social issues plaguing society today, including perceptions of injustice in law enforcement, which must be addressed to maintain public confidence in institutions. Mohammad Shatar emphasized that efforts to empower the community cannot be left solely to the government but require active participation from the community itself.
Regarding the upcoming Musyawarah Nasional set to take place this Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, he stated that the convention would serve as a platform for discussing issues concerning the Malays and exploring possible solutions. The focus areas include strengthening unity, increasing social awareness, and promoting proactive action among the younger generation.
Musyawarah Nasional, spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was introduced as a strategic consensus space to bring together diverse stakeholders to examine core issues shaping the direction of the race and the country, as announced in his policy speech at the 2025 UMNO General Assembly.