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P Waythamoorthy, as the new Minister for National Unity and Social Welfare, has the opportunity to build a society where no one is left behind.
COMMENTARY
By Denison Jayasooria
The new Cabinet was finally established. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad must be congratulated for making very bold choices in his appointments. While he was holding consultations with his party officials, he also made some of the strategic moves for the new Malaysia based on his years of experience and wisdom.
One of the most significant appointments arriving late was that of Senator P Waythamoorthy as the new Minister for National Unity and Social Welfare. The appointment of Waytha as a senator and minister on July 16 was indeed an important development for the Hindraf movement.
This establishes a new agenda for the Minister and Hindraf in his struggle for the Indian minority, especially those in the B40 group, to defend those who are at the bottom of the socio-economic and political ladder
who are helpless, alienated and discriminated against in society because of the nature of the global economy and politics need a specific intervention for emancipation and economic empowerment. We now have the opportunity to right the wrongs of the past and, by adopting a socially inclusive program for all Malays, we can seek to rebuild a society "where no one is left behind".
The appointment of Waytha provides not only new minister, but also the Department of National Unity and Integration, with the opportunity to ensure that all sectors of society, including the B40, have a voice, a place and a This would be a good place for the Social Inclusion Unit, as we note that the Implementation Coordinating Unit could also report to the Minister. from the unit. (The previous government had announced the creation of the Socio-Economic Research Institution, or Seri.)
Many of us have advocated these changes, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals and of a development approach based on human rights. One of the main objectives of the new minister will be to make public the report of the Advisory Board of National Unity (NUCC) and to organize a series of dialogues with civil society, academic institutions and policy makers to foster harmony and respond to grievances from all communities. Sabah and Sarawak, the Orang Asli community and the urban poor of all communities, including displaced plantation workers and Felda settlers.
One of the main recommendations of the NUCC is the wording of a harmony bill and the establishment of mediation centers. interethnic and religious conflicts. While Pakatan Harapan's manifesto promises a council for harmony, the NUCC recommended a more independent National Unity Commission. There must be a review to determine the best option for New Malaysia.
The new minister has many challenges, but also many opportunities. We hope that he will adopt an open policy and serve as a minister of unity for all communities.
It can rest assured that academics, institutions and civil society will be happy to work with him as with the Department of National Unity and Integration. years. Welcome to this new role, and all the best. God bless
Denison Jayasooria is professor of practice for public advocacy and senior researcher at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
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