'Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni' needs to include mental health

The Star

2 days ago

As we are about to commemorate our National Day and Malaysia Day under the resonant theme 'Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni' (or in English, 'Malaysia Madani: People Cared For'), we are reminded that true progress is not merely measured by economic growth or technological advancement, but by how we treat one another.
'Rakyat Disantuni' or 'People Cared For' calls us to a national ethos of compassion, inclusivity and shared progress for all Malaysians, reflecting the spirit of unity, care and responsibility for the nation's citizens.
In that light, there is no better time to focus on an area that too often remains in the shadows: mental health.
Being civilised and caring
A truly Madani (civilised) nation is one that nurtures both the minds and hearts of its people.
Mental health is not a luxury.
It is a cornerstone of personal dignity, family resilience and national productivity.
Yet, for far too long, mental health in Malaysia has been sidelined, misunderstood, or worse, stigmatised.
The recent surge in reported mental health issues, particularly among our youth, the elderly and marginalised communities, reflects a deeper societal strain.
From academic pressure and workplace burnout to loneliness, economic insecurity and the lingering psychological aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysians are quietly suffering.
The Malaysia Madani vision challenges us to no longer accept this as the norm.
To 'menyantuni' someone is to treat them with gentleness, empathy and dignity.
It is not mere charity or tolerance. It is deep, human-centred engagement.
Applying this spirit to mental health means listening without judgment to those who are struggling and normalising help-seeking behaviours, so that no one feels ashamed for reaching out.
Ultimately, we should aim to build workplaces, schools and public institutions that are psychologically safe.
The Madani Mental Health System should also incorporate a human rights-oriented approach to mental health, one rooted in the Madani promise of fairness and access to a redressal mechanism.
A recent headline in an online news portal, 'Parent calls for private care home oversight, citing legislative gaps', is an indication of significant human rights abuses in private mental health facilities.
This calls for the establishment of an ombudsman-like pathway to investigate allegations of human rights violations against persons with psychosocial disabilities.
The time is ripe for us in Malaysia to emulate such systems in other countries if we are to truly walk the talk of being a caring society.
Unity in identity
As we celebrate National and Malaysia Days, we are reminded that the essence of our nation is not merely in the grandeur of our celebrations, but in the deep and enduring connection we share as Malaysians.
National identity is more than a concept.
It is the heartbeat of our collective spirit; the soul that binds us together across diverse cultures, languages and beliefs.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, we also saw how our national identity became a beacon of hope and solidarity.
The phrase 'Kita Jaga Kita' resonated across the nation, reminding us that in our unity, we find strength.
This sense of collective responsibility helped manage the crisis and played a crucial role in maintaining our mental well-being.
The knowledge that we are part of something greater – a nation united in its diversity – offers comfort and a sense of purpose that can protect against the despair of isolation and fear.
However, the relationship between national identity and mental health is not always positive.
A rigid or exclusionary national identity can lead to marginalisation, discrimination and mental health challenges for those who do not fit the dominant national narrative.
For example, in Britain and Australia, the rise of nationalist sentiments has led to increased xenophobia and racism, particularly against immigrants and ethnic minorities.
This has caused severe psychological distress and a sense of alienation among minority communities.
In the name of national identity, xenophobia has raised its ugly head in the form of hate crimes against selected minority groups in these countries.
In one of the countries in our region, people have faced extreme persecution, partly due to their exclusion from the national identity as defined by their government.
The denial of citizenship and fundamental rights has not only led to a humanitarian crisis, but has also inflicted profound psychological trauma on this group of people, many of whom suffer from severe mental health issues due to the violence and displacement they have endured.
When identity is challenged
In Malaysia, as we celebrate our unity, we must also confront the challenges that threaten it.
A national identity that excludes or marginalises certain groups can become a source of deep psychological harm.
The mental health impact of feeling excluded from the national narrative is profound, leading to feelings of alienation, anxiety and depression.
The tragic memory of May 13, 1969, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing ethnic and religious tensions to overshadow our shared identity.
Much has been done to heal those wounds, but the scars remain.
Therefore, we must ensure that our national identity embraces all Malaysians, regardless of their background.
The ongoing struggles of the Orang Asli communities are a poignant example.
These indigenous peoples have often felt sidelined in the national narrative, likely leading to mental health challenges within their communities.
As Malaysians, it is our responsibility to ensure that our national identity is inclusive, one that honours and uplifts every community within our borders.
Every Malaysian has the right to be part of our shared destiny.
As we look to the future, we must also recognise that our national identity is evolving in a rapidly-globalising world.
The younger generation of Malaysians is increasingly connected to global cultures and identities, and while this broadens their horizons, it can also create conflicts with traditional national identities.
The challenge we face is to adapt our national identity in a way that remains true to our roots while being open to the global influences that enrich our society.
As we move forward, it is essential to cultivate a national identity that is flexible, i.e. one that allows for multiple expressions of being Malaysian, whether at home or abroad.
This inclusivity is crucial in ensuring that all Malaysians feel a deep connection to their homeland, which in turn sustains their mental well-being.
No one should feel excluded from our national identity, regardless of their location.
Tackling corruption
This column would be incomplete if the link between corruption and mental health were not highlighted.
Corruption does not just erode public trust and economic stability; it also takes a significant toll on mental health.
When people are denied fair access to essential services like education, housing or justice due to corrupt practices, it breeds chronic stress, helplessness and despair.
In societies where corruption is widespread, mental health suffers silently, reinforcing a cycle of disillusionment and social disengagement.
Addressing corruption, therefore, is not just a matter of governance.
It is an urgent public mental health priority.
I recall Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim once recited the following pantun about the true meaning of Merdeka:
'Kalau terpaksa dayung, kami dayung
'Dengan jari, kami dayung
'Namun, tolak ansur dengan rasuah dan rompakan
'Tidak sekali!'
('If we have to row, we shall row
'With our fingers we shall row
'But to tolerate corruption and robbery
'Not at all!)
This year's theme for National and Malaysia Day calls us to unite in our care for one another.
Mental health must be a part of that care.
There is no point in raising the flag and singing the national anthem without committing ourselves to building a nation where no one feels alone in their struggles.
Our national development needs to encompass not only physical and economic aspects, but also emotional and psychological ones.
That is what it truly means to care for the people.
That is the essence of 'Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni'.
Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj is a consultant psychiatrist and the Malaysian Mental Health Association president. For more information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.