Dialogue: New Approaches and Strategies for National Unity and Integration Under The Harapan Government

The recent change of the Malaysian government on a wave of popular support has raised hopes that national unity and integration, recurrent issues since Malayan independence and later the formation of Malaysia can be addressed in new and more effective ways. Ethnic, religious, territorial and now class tensions have largely been kept below the surface. This has enabled pluralism to continue and the nation to prosper. In recent years, however, incidences of tension appear to have risen. Of greater concern is the fact that these incidences have been met with indifference or even support by some in government. The Harapan government now has an opportunity to unhinge these issues from their traditional moorings and set a course for a truly “new” Malaysia.

This meeting invites members of the Harapan government to a free-flowing dialogue with the heads/representatives of Malaysian think tanks and thought leaders. This event aims to spur more work on the subject of unity and integration at this critical juncture in the nation’s history.