High Level Dialogue on the new Malaysia, 28 June 2018

The United Nations Country Office in Malaysia hosted a High Level Dialogue in charting the path for an inclusive and moderate Malaysia on June 28, 2018 at their office in Putrajaya. Distinguished Prof. Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin provided an overview paper while KITA Principal Fellow Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria moderated the session which was attended by about 25 people.

Distinguished Prof. Dr. Shamsul gave emphasis for a review of the historical overview on the charted path. Likewise he drew the difference of the assimilation approach with that of integration as well as drawing the difference between state and nation. He noted that it was in the understanding and application of the ‘nation of intent’, that there is much contestation between a Malay-led plural society and a Malaysian-led Malaysian society. He also noted that managing this diversity, difference and dividedness is the challenge.

In moderating the session, Denison Jayasooria affirmed that the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) findings and the comprehensive report will be useful for chanting this path in the new Malaysia. The KITA-UKM team headed by Distinguished Prof. Dr. Shamsul served as the secretariat. Others from KITA-UKM at this dialogue were Principal Fellows Prof. Dr, Ong Puay Liu and Datuk Dr. Anis Yusal Yusoff.

Others present included YB Dato Saifuddin Abdullah and YB Maria Chin Abdullah.