“The true measure of a society is how it treats its unsung heroes – — Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948); a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, and a symbol of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. “
WHEN discussing state honours, medals, and awards, it is inevitable that well-known athletes, actors, actresses, high-ranking civil servants, businesspeople, and notably, politicians will come to mind first. These individuals undoubtedly deserve recognition for their relentless dedication, hard work, and substantial contributions in their respective fields.
However, it is worth considering whether it is time to broaden the scope of recognition for excellence across all fields and not just for a select few. It seems that our current system for selecting eligible candidates may not adequately acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals in other highly significant fields and professions, such as journalism, for example.
The media industry serves as a notable example. Unlike those in Malaya and Sabah, local media professionals, except those employed by government-owned media organisations, rarely receive state distinctions or medals in acknowledgement of their contributions to their profession.
Let me clarify that I am not expressing a desire for such recognition; instead, I am emphasising this point. I believe that some highly experienced and veteran members of the journalism fraternity, including retirees, should be acknowledged for their significant contributions, either presently or retroactively to their past achievements.
By solely focusing on glamorous professions, we inadvertently send the message that only a select few careers deserve recognition, which is unjust. Recently, 1,447 individuals in the state were honoured with state awards and medals in celebration of the 87th birthday of our Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
While I extend my sincere congratulations to all the deserving recipients, it is unfortunate to note the noticeable absence of honorees from privately-owned media entities. Even if they have been recognised, it appears to be primarily for their involvement in non-governmental or charity organisations.
Could this absence be attributed to the requirement of a formal application for recognition? If that is the case, it might be prudent for local media bodies and organisations to proactively submit applications for recognition during the next round of conferring state awards and honours.
I wholeheartedly believe that broadening the scope of these awards would ignite a passion for excellence across a wide range of fields and domains. This approach not only recognises the outstanding contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds but also encourages others to strive for greatness in their respective pursuits.
By acknowledging outstanding accomplishments in various fields, we can send a strong message to society: “Excellence transcends boundaries,” affirming that every individual holds the potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.
This approach has the potential to effectively communicate to society that individuals who exhibit dedication and innovation, regardless of their chosen paths, will have their contributions appreciated and valued. Such recognition catalyzes fostering ambition and nurturing excellence among individuals from various backgrounds and professions.
Furthermore, widening the scope of state honours promotes inclusivity and equity. The current system seems to honour people who are already in the spotlight, while many unsung heroes work behind the scenes. It is equally important to recognise those
who might not have celebrity status but have made an incredible difference in their communities. This breaks down the walls of elitism and gives credit where it is truly deserved.
Additionally, we must not overlook the importance of our cultural heritage and intellectual pursuits. Art, culture, science, and education are the cornerstones of our civilisation. When we neglect these fields in state honours, we neglect what makes our society rich and diverse.
To make this change, we may need to revamp the selection process. Instead of one-size-fits-all committees, we could have expert panels for each field, ensuring that recognition is based on expertise, not just popularity. The criteria for awards should be crystal clear, focusing on exceptional contributions, innovations, and a lasting positive impact on society.
To wrap things up, state honours and awards should not be limited to a few professions. Recognising excellence across all fields is not only about uplifting individuals but also about celebrating the many ways people contribute to society. It is high time we embrace the full spectrum of human achievements and recognize that every contribution is valuable and deserving of the honour.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
