THE current preoccupation with dignity is a consequence of the recently held Malay Dignity Congress. Before proceeding further, we need to know what is dignity and its reference to a communal or ethnic group. For human weaknesses, such as selfishness and avarice, will tarnish the communal dignity. In rural areas, Malay dignity is tightly tied to traditional norms and values that have remained intact, with only minimal changes over the centuries while the concept of dignity in urban areas is no longer solely based on traditional values. It is from this perspective that we should view Malay dignity that came into the limelight as a result of the Malay Dignity Congress.

Source: New Strait Times November 03, 2019 16:07 UTC