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In Malaysia, where diversity defines our identity, debates about whether to wish others well during their religious celebrations often emerge. Recently, a controversy stirred when certain political groups discouraged their followers from saying Merry Christmas, while others condemned a minister’s Christmas celebration. This sparked a national conversation on respect and unity.
For me, the question of whether it’s right or wrong is not the point. Beliefs vary, and I respect that. What matters is the good we choose to do for unity. For me, wishing my friends from other religions well on their celebrations is an act of respect and kindness - a step towards a more inclusive Malaysia.
Lessons from the Tower of Babel
The biblical story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1 - 9) offers profound insight. Humanity once shared a single language and sought to build a tower reaching the heavens, symbolizing their unity and ambition. God disrupted this plan by confusing their language, scattering them across the earth. The lesson? Absolute oneness can lead to unchecked ambition and eventual failure. Diversity was God’s way of encouraging balance and humility among humans.
Similarly, our differences are not obstacles but opportunities to learn, grow, and coexist harmoniously. Respecting these differences, such as religious practices, strengthens the social fabric rather than weakening it.
Communication Theory: The Danger of Oneness
The story of Babel aligns with a key concept in communication - Groupthink Theory (Teori Pemikiran Berkelompok). This theory explains that when a group emphasizes harmony and unanimity over critical thinking, dissenting opinions are suppressed, leading to poor decisions and potential failure.
One striking example of this in Malaysian politics was the One Malaysia initiative under Najib Razak. While the vision aimed for unity, it faltered due to groupthink dynamics within UMNO and Barisan Nasional. During the 1MDB scandal, many leaders chose loyalty over accountability, fearing political repercussions. This lack of critical evaluation allowed the scandal to escalate, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Barisan Nasional government after six decades in power.
Why Diversity is Our Strength
Diversity - in perspectives, beliefs, and practices - ensures that no single narrative dominates. It creates room for checks and balances, fostering innovation and resilience. By embracing our multicultural identity, we acknowledge that unity is not about uniformity but about celebrating differences.
Global and local examples highlight this beautifully:
- Pope Francis meeting Islamic leaders in Indonesia, a gesture that promotes interfaith understanding.
- Sarawak’s inclusive culture, exemplified by the Premier’s Merry Christmas & Happy New Year wishes and TYT’s participation in Christmas celebrations.
Even those without religious affiliations, such as pagans, often emphasize coexistence and peace. The question to ponder is simple: Are they willing to kill over beliefs? The answer is usually no. Across all faiths - or the lack thereof - the common thread is teaching us to do good deeds and avoid discord.
Moving Forward: Building Bridges, Not Walls
Malaysia has the potential to be a global example of unity in diversity. But this requires effort from all of us. Saying Merry Christmas, Happy Deepavali, or Selamat Hari Raya is not just about words - it’s about acknowledging and valuing each other’s existence.
The lessons from Babel, communication theory, and failed initiatives like One Malaysia remind us that unity cannot be forced through artificial oneness. It thrives when we respect and embrace our differences. Let us rise above divisive debates and focus on building bridges - one good deed at a time.
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