By Denison Jayasooria

The new Cabinet has finally been established. Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad must be congratulated for making some very bold moves in his appointments. While he held 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 which came towards the end was that of Senator P Waythamoorthy as the new minister for national unity and social well-being. Waytha’s appointment as senator and minister on July 16 was indeed a major development for the Hindraf movement.

This sets a new agenda for the minister and Hindraf in its struggle for the Indian minority, especially those from the B40 group, to champion the concerns of those who are at the bottom of the socioeconomic and political ladder.

Those who are powerless, alienated and discriminated against in society due to the nature of the global economy and politics need specific intervention for economic empowerment and upliftment.

Now we have an opportunity to undo the wrongs of the past, and in adopting a socially inclusive agenda for all Malaysians, we can seek to rebuild a society “where no one is left behind”.

Waytha’s appointment provides not only the new minister, but also the Department of National Unity and Integration, with the opportunity to ensure that all sections of society including the B40 have a voice, place and share in the economic prosperity of this land.

This would be a good place for the Social Inclusion Unit as we note that the Implementation Coordination Unit might also be under the purview of the unity minister. (The former government had announced the establishment of the Socio Economic Research Institution, or Seri.)

Many of us have been advocating these changes, especially from the focus of sustainable development goals and a human rights approach to development.

One major agenda for the new minister will be to make the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) report public and to host a series of dialogues with civil society, academic institutions and policymakers to foster harmony and address the grievances of all communities, especially the natives of Sabah and Sarawak, the Orang Asli community, and the urban poor of all communities including displaced plantation workers and Felda settlers.

One of NUCC’s major recommendations is the formulation of a harmony bill and the setting-up of mediation centres to resolve interethnic and religious conflicts. While the Pakatan Harapan 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 the New Malaysia.

The new minister has many challenges ahead, but also many opportunities. We trust he will adopt an open policy and serve as the unity minister for all communities.

He can be assured that academics, institutions and civil society will be happy to work with him as we have with the National Unity and Integration Department over the years. Welcome to this new role, and all the best. God bless.

Denison Jayasooria is professor of practice for public advocacy and principal research fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies, UKM.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.