Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, SUN:
The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, today outlined three essentials for an effective and sustained nation-building that include Rule of Law and inviolability of the constitution.
Economic, social justice for all and good governance and a thriving civil society are the other two essentials, he said in his keynote address at the inaugural Student Leaders’ Summit 2007.
On the Rule of Law, Raja Nazrin said the constitution was the nation’s supreme law that guarantees fundamental liberties to every citizen. He said the cleverly crafted document clearly provides for adequate “checks and balances” against excesses through the separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, with each protected from encroachment by the other.
“It has often been said many misunderstandings may be avoided if the principles embodied in the constitution are adhered to strictly. Upholding the Rule of Law is paramount,” he said in his address entitled “Challenges and Prospects for Nation-Building - A Lesson for the Young and Bright.
On economic and social justice, Raja Nazrin said all groups in society, regardless of their ethnicities, religion or gender, must participate in decision-making that affect their lives and livelihood.
“They must have voice and a place in all sectors. They must carry equal responsibilities in making society work.
“The people we work and play with, the friendship we make, must never be constrained by ethnicity,” he said.
The Perak prince said preconceptions, parochialism and chauvinism can be eradicated if the people interacted freely and actively with others of different ethnic groups or religions, “even if it is just one teacher, one policeman or one schoolmate.”
“In many areas, this is absent and it must change,” he said.
Touching on the third requisite for nation-building — good governance and a thriving civil society — Raja Nazrin said institutions of governance must demonstrate and generate norms and behaviours that are fundamentally efficient, productive and just.
“Only those who are capable, responsible and scrupulously honest should be allowed to serve in positions of leadership. Those who are inefficient, incompetent and most importantly, corrupt, should be held in absolute contempt,” he said.
He said there must also be concrete anti-corruption measures and management practices based on efficiency, transparency and accountability.
“It is also very important we have leaders who are earnest in maintaining unity, never resorting to religious or ethnic posturing to further their political careers at the expense of peace and security.
“If they fail in this respect, they must be held accountable and answerable before the law,” he said.
Raja Nazrin also made a few suggestions on how Malaysians, especially young leaders, could contribute to the country’s continued success in nation-building.
The first step was to familiarise with the Federal Constitution, the country’s supreme law, that guarantees the rights of every Malaysian.
“As such, the integrity of that document must be protected,” he said.
Next, he urged them to study the nation’s history, particularly the lives and works of past leaders who have sacrificed so much for the country.
“One such leader is (former deputy prime minister) Tun Dr Ismail (Abdul Rahman). He was an exemplary Malaysian. He envisaged a Malaysia for all without colour lines, without ethnic borders and without any one group feeling a sense of inferiority,” he said.
Raja Nazrin said Dr Ismail recognised the importance of open-mindedness in addressing day-to-day issues and problems, the importance of listening and learning from others, especially those who are more advanced and strongly believed in the principle of life-long learning.
“The leadership, sincerity, sacrifices abd integrity of Tun Dr Ismail and other leaders of his generation should serve to inspire the next generation of leaders,” he said.
He said they also must take personal ownership over the well-being of the country and should not succumb to indifference and apathy.
They need to hold on to their ideals and beliefs that they can make a difference and not give way to cynicism and opportunism, he said.
They also need to channel their energies in a constructive manner to bring about positive changes around them, he said.
Raja Nazrin said they need to participate actively in community services that are geared towards promoting interaction between communities.
They must also be prepared to serve the country to the best of their ability and should not be adverse to building a career in the public service, he said.
“Always think nation first,” he said, adding that the outside world knows the value of the country’s best brains and that was why they set out to attract Malaysians and create a brain drain for the country.
“Do not exacerbate the problem of brain drain,” he said.
Raja Nazrin said Malaysia needs a future generation of leaders with unquestionable integrity.
“In countries where specialised expertise and technical know-how are lacking, they can be imported from elsewhere. But integrity, by definition, is something that cannot be bought or hired,” he said.
On challenges in nation-building, Raja Nazrin said there was a need to balance change with continuity.
“The current phase of nation-building should be in tune with the temper of the times to reflect new realities of the modern world.
“We are facing a globalised environment where excellence and meritocracy are the rules of the game. The opportunities in the global world reward those with ability, regardless of colour or creed,” he said.
In a multi-ethnic country like Malaysia, he said, it has to be especially watchful since in the absence of a strong national identity, “we are prone to polarisation and competition along ethno-religious lines.”
Hence, a most expert balancing act is required to maintain socio-political stability while not losing out on global competitiveness, he said.
To ensure sustained success in nation-building, he said, Malaysians of all races, religions and geographic locations need to believe “beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have a place under the Malaysian sun.”
