Out of many, 1Malaysia

Najib’s own deputy prime minister, Muhyiddin Yassin, is among those who have disparaged the Working Committee’s mission, calling its members “small fry” and the committee “irrelevant.”  Najib’s endorsement, then, combined with his other efforts to modernize and unify Malaysia, jeopardize his standing within his own political party.

This may, in fact, be just as well, as his party includes elements that are opposed to his pro-American, pro-business stances — but the political opposition is also paying attention, and their anti-Americanism has frequently been all too well disguised from American policy makers.  Najib must simultaneously do what is best for his countrymen, protect his own political future, and communicate to the rest of the world that his endeavors are better for Southeast Asia, for other Muslim-majority nations, and for potential foreign investors than those of his would-be replacements.  In standing for religious tolerance and diversity, Najib has directly opposed himself to the work and goals of people like opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.  Given that Anwar’s allies include no less a figure than former Vice President Al Gore, Najib certainly has his work cut out for him.

Fortunately, the United States is beginning to take note.  B’nai B’rith’s recent condemnation of Anwar’s anti-Semitic underpinnings, for example, was too pointed to ignore, and Najib’s inaugural visit to the United Nations this week will include a meeting with President Barack Obama.  As the United States eagerly seeks a progressive, pro-American, Muslim-majority nation, let’s hope Najib’s efforts to moderate the nation and unify Malaysia’s diverse racial, economic, and religious groups will continue unhampered for a long time to come.

Rachel Motte is a freelance writer, journalist and editor specializing in social issues, educational affairs, and international religious freedom. Her work has appeared at CNN.com, The Evangelical Outpost, The New Ledger, and multiple radio stations nationwide. She is an alumna of Biola University, the Torrey Honors Institute, the Leadership Institute, and the World Journalism Institute.