By Dr Loganathan Krishnan

The recent formation of a diversified and inclusive government is the way forward for unified governance. Equity, diversity and inclusivity form a government’s foundation and pillar of strength.

The concept of equity is a concept climacteric to any country practising democracy. Prominently placed on the justices’ tables, the ‘Scale of Justice’ signifies that the law shall not favour anyone but offer equal protection to all, i.e. equity and fairness.

The idea of equality was initiated in the 17th and 18th centuries by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke. It later found its place in the 40th Article of the Magna Carta, which reads, “To none will we sell, to none will we deny, to none will we delay the right of justice.”

Equity and equality

In Malaysia, the equality provision is found in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which reads, “All persons are equal before the law and entitled to the equal protection of the law.”

The concepts of equity and equality are imperative. Everyone should be treated equally and fairly, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, and place of descent. The largest group of Malaysians consists of three main races: Malays, Chinese and Indians.

The diversity doesn’t stop there. For example, the ethnic subgroups of Chinese people in Malaysia include Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainan, Foochow, Hakka and Kwongsai. In Sabah, there are an estimated 42 ethnic groups with over 200 sub-ethnic groups, with the main ones being Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Bruneian Malays and Suluk. There are more than 40 sub-ethnic groups in Sarawak, mainly Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau and Kelabit.

The Orang Asli

More representation should be given to the Orang Asli. They should not be treated as if they cannot make decisions independently. Provisions in the Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954 (ÄPA 1954), which are exclusionary and top-down approaches, must be repealed. The Federal Government should invoke Article 85 of the Federal Constitution to acquire land from the State Governments for the Orang Asli. Essentially, the new government must repeal the repressive APA 1954 and enact laws along the views adopted in Sagong bin Tasi & Ors v Kerajaan Negeri Selangor [2002] 2 MLJ 591.

More importantly, the aboriginal community should not be a lost heritage. In Australia, conference speakers always pay their respects to the aboriginals by recognising their identity as the land’s traditional owners. Similarly, in New Zealand, respect is given to the Maori people, as evidenced by the Maori dance in opening ceremonies.

As much as diversity is boasted upon, inclusivity is equally important. The only way to ensure equality is to ensure inclusivity. Inclusivity must be at all levels, especially in the public sector since it is a policy-making body. Policies drawn will be equitable as an inclusive body will understand the plight and pleas of respective ethnic communities.

Inclusivity and diversity

All government-formed committees must comprise all races, ethnicities and gender. In that way, not only is inclusivity seen, but there will be diversity. Additionally, the civil service must be more heterogeneous than homogeneous. This will break the assumption that there is dominance by a single race and, therefore, there are biases in decision-making.

The benefits are indeed manifold. Decisions can be arrived at without bias. Secondly, various perspectives can be considered, which will be apt, especially in a multi-cultural environment. Consequently, a harmonious society is seen in the long run. Countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia are testimonies to this. Eventually, there will not be a brain drain, and we will be able to attract an even more diverse society.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Loganathan Krishnan is with the School of Business at Monash University Malaysia.