Kuala Lampur, April 9 -- Last week, we marked Qing Ming, Good Friday and Easter, while many Malaysians are still in the midst of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. Next week, the Sikh community will celebrate Vaisakhi. In many other countries, such diversity would be remarkable, but in Malaysia, it is simply part of everyday life.

Walk through any neighbourhoods in Malaysia, especially in urban centres, and this reality is clear. Different traditions, beliefs and cultures exist side by side, often overlapping in ways we barely notice anymore. This has long been one of our greatest strengths.

Yet why do we feel more divided than ever?

Take the recent tragic drink-driving accident that claimed a life. It is an incident that should ne...