Addressing Ethnic Polarization on social media in Malaysia: A Review of Said Nursi's Framework of the Positive Action (Müsbet Hareket)

Malaysia is constantly caught up in ethnic polarization, which is worsened by the narratives in the social media. National mobilisation for the unity of the people has long been in place, but the divide between various ethnic groups is a nightmare, even growing, especially in the use of digital platforms where hate rhetoric can thrive. This is a study on the concept of "Positive Action" (Müsbet Hareket) developed by Bediuzzaman Said Nursi and which can be a new perspective for understanding and intervening in ethnic conflicts. A 20th century scholar from Turkey, Nursi stressed a positive attitude, dialogue and the importance of positive action over negative conflict, which is all in line with Islamic values of compassion, justice, and equality. But the query now becomes how much of the relevance of this thought can be realised in Malaysia's complicated digital ecosystem, where algorithms can serve to reinforce extreme opinions instead of the promotion of understanding. Can the ‘Positive Action' message break the wall of the cyber echo chamber and actually create positive behavioural change? This research suggests that Müsbet Hareket can continue to be an idealistic programme, not able to realize its transformative effect without adaptation strategies, in the difficult field of social media.

Ethnic Polarization, Social Media, Positive Action, Said Nursi, Malaysia

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