By Colly Wong @ datukdato.com
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation. Its population consists of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups, each with their unique traditions, culture, language, that make up the rich tapestry of the society of Malaysia.
Because of its diverse social fabric, the Malaysian government has always been at the forefront of programs and policies promoting national unity and social cohesion to foster belongingness and shared identity amongst its multi-racial population.
To cultivate this unity and harmony in the country, Malaysia has the concept of “muhibah,” deeply ingrained in its culture, as an ideal advocated, adhered to, and worked towards in every aspect of their living. It is often celebrated through countless cultural events, initiatives, and festivals, to bring people from all walks of life together. Collaborative efforts from the arts, education, business, community service projects, multi-cultural celebrations, interfaith dialogues, are but one of the few things that demonstrate the Malaysian’s love for muhibah.
The word muhibah came from the Arabic word, “al-hubb” meaning “brotherhood” or “goodwill.” The direct translation should be mahabbah, but given its local flair, it became muhibah, for it to sound more Malaysian. In its most ideal form, muhibah is a strategic policy aimed towards nation-building, through unity among the Malaysian peoples. Despite how significant it is, it doesn’t come without its own set of challenges.
There exists strain amid intergroup relations, socio-economic disparities, religious intolerances, and ethnic tensions, which are hard to simply shake. One example would be the use of the Bahasa Melayu as a national language. Bahasa Melayu is widely spoken and taught, and it’s adopted by all institutions and agencies in Malaysia. However, some wants to maintain their vernacular and consider Behasa Melayu only as a secondary language. The issue arises when jobs require or make a preference over those who can speak Behasa Melayu over other languages, showing insensitivity to other ethnic groups.
Unfortunately, the concern over language is the least of its issue. There’s also the religious and racial diversity that cause clashes and misunderstanding amongst the Malaysian peoples. To achieve religious unity is one thing, add the element of racial difference to the mix and you have a huge chasm between different people groups in your hands. If there’s anything that people of faith protect with their lives, it’s their religious freedom.
This is the backdrop of the desire for muhibah in Malaysia. The objective is to nurture unity through sharing of every group’s similarity in religion, race, culture, language, all the elements that promote stability and harmony in the nation. This is also the situation where The Council of Mayors of the State of Malaka (MDDNM) was borne out of.
The Majlis Datuk-Datuk Negeri Melaka (MDDNM) was established with the goal to strengthen the muhibah relationship amongst its members and to encourage a cooperative link between the Council, the State of Melaka government, and the society.
Apart from this lofty goal, MDDNM was also founded to protect the image and status of the title holders, the “Datuk” in the State of Melaka. The Council acts as a representative entity on behalf of its members, to support and encourage any goal that brings about effectiveness and excellence to the Pertua Negeri Melaka and the State of Melaka. This organization advocates for every member to contribute to the Council by way of sharing their career experiences, and their wealth of knowledge to Malaysia through MDDNM.
The Council also helps to create synergistic ties with any of the associations of Datuk-Datuk across Malaysia. They share ideas and support each other through reviews and evaluations, to benefit everyone involved. The relationships forged amongst these associations preserve the interests of all members and work towards their welfare.
They all carry out philanthropic works collaboratively such as providing donations to those who fall victim to natural disasters, giving to those who need support in their education and medical expenses, and helping the disabled, the elderlies and children, in whatever capacity.
Just recently, the Council distributed 560 boxes of food kits during Ramadan to 28 Japerun across the State of Melaka. The ceremony was well attended by executives of MDDNM such as MDDNM Secretary Datuk Ir. Othman Abdul Rahim, MDDNM Deputy President, Datuk Wiro Ir. Dr. Ahmad Zaini Md Amin, and MDDNM President, Datuk Wira Jahaya Mat. The event was headed by the Exco of Women, Family and Community Development and held at Tiara Melaka Golf and Country Club, in Jalan Gapam, Melaka.
Other recent charitable works include handing out contributions from the Council of Grandparents of Melaka by MDDNM to Team Sinar Amal Foundation in Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia, in celebration of asnaf and orphans as they had their breaking of fast in the month of Ramadan.
Also, they held a sustenance sharing activity at MITC Mydin Supermarket to provide financial support to students by way of vouchers they can use to purchase school supplies like stationeries, bags, shoes, and shirts. This step helped alleviate the burden of parents who don’t have enough to get by every day, let alone buy what their children need for school, and the students themselves were given the motivation to usher in the new school year with renewed enthusiasm.
Clearly, the muhibah ideal is central to the vision of Majlis Datuk-Datuk Negeri Melaka as an association that supports the government of the State of Melaka, and even Malaysia as a country, to bridge the gaps between groups in such a highly pluralistic society. Muhibah remains to be the underlying motivation behind all their humanitarian goals, transcending religious teachings and cultural traditions, and promoting love, affection, respect and tolerance without bias or prejudice towards any ethnicity, race, or religion.
Muhibah is indeed one of the most effective government policies in Malaysia and it has helped MDDNM become the Council that it is today. If you are eligible to apply as a member of this prestigious organization, or know of anyone who is a likely candidate, please feel free to endorse by visiting the Facebook page of MDDNM (https://www.facebook.com/p/Majlis-Datuk-Datuk-Negeri-Melaka-MDDNM-Official-100086169902483/), browse through the wealth of information provided, and fill out an application.
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