Starting Point
The Department of National Unity and National Integration, also known as Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (JPNIN) or its updated name, J-Perpaduan, operates under the Ministry of Unity and National Integration. It serves as a cornerstone in Malaysia’s efforts to foster social cohesion. The department implements a range of policies and programmes aimed at promoting national unity and harmonious inter-ethnic relations. These initiatives encompass promoting cultural understanding, facilitating civic engagement, and combating prejudice and discrimination. Through research, education, and community outreach, JPNIN seeks to cultivate a spirit of inclusivity and a shared national identity, ensuring that Malaysia's social unity remains robust and vibrant for future generations.
The Neighbourhood Watch, known locally as Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT), is a key unit within JPNIN, tasked with implementing community-based programmes and addressing various local issues. Within KRT, a specialised branch called "The Women’s Neighbours" (Rukun Tetangga Wanita) serves as a significant arm of the Neighbourhood Committee (Jawatankuasa Rukun Tetangga). Established in 1983, this group acts as a vital support system for the Neighbourhood Committee, particularly in activities and initiatives involving women. The Women’s Neighbours play an indispensable role in complementing and ensuring the success of community programmes and activities.
This platform is dedicated to empowering women by fostering their talents and potential across various fields. It seeks to enhance women's involvement in community development, with a focus on social, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions. The Women’s Neighbours also make a significant contribution to strengthening social cohesion within local communities. As the backbone of the Neighbourhood Watch, they ensure the sustained active participation of the community in a wide array of programmes and initiatives throughout the year.
In Sabah State, the Neighbourhood Watch and the Women’s Neighbours are well-established mechanisms under JPNIN, where women actively participate in community mediation. This case study features two JPNIN officers and a community leader-teacher, all of whom are trained JPNIN mediators.
Peace Journey
Several female officers from the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) in Sabah State serve as trained mediators. According to one informant, Mrs Susan, conflicts involving women frequently arise from both violent and non-violent disputes, including those initiated through interactions on social media. For example, one notable case involved two relatives from the same village who had once been close, often spending time shopping and socialising together. The conflict began when one relative borrowed money to donate during a Christian carolling celebration but failed to repay the loan. The situation escalated as gossip about the unpaid debt spread, fuelled by accusatory posts on social media. This amplification of tensions led to public arguments and, eventually, physical altercations involving their husbands and friends. Despite police intervention, the dispute remained unresolved because the parties involved were unclear about their expectations from mediation. The conflict temporarily subsided only after a humanitarian situation—a death in the village—united the community in an act of collective solidarity.
The informant emphasised that social media frequently exacerbates conflicts by facilitating provocations and gossip, transforming personal disputes into broader community tensions. Such conflicts are often neglected by formal agencies as they are categorised as private matters, despite their potential to incite community-wide unrest. In these situations, mediation typically involves third-party facilitators, such as village leaders, religious figures, or NGOs, who act as neutral guides rather than decision-makers. However, in this particular case, repeated mediation attempts failed to resolve the issue, illustrating the limitations of mediation when the parties involved are unwilling or unclear about their desired outcomes.
JPNIN mediators also encounter conflicts driven by environmental issues, such as disputes over improper rubbish disposal in villages. In one instance, unmanaged waste led to rising tensions within a community. Mediators—including the Ketua Kampung (Village Head), the Jawatankuasa Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK, Village Development and Security Committee), and the Pengerusi RT (Chairman of the Neighbourhood Watch)—worked collaboratively to address the issue. Their efforts included requesting the municipal council to install signboards prohibiting illegal dumping. However, despite these measures, the problem persisted. As part of a broader solution, the community organised gotong-royong (collaborative clean-up efforts), with significant contributions from women and members of RELA (the Voluntary Corps). Women also assumed key leadership roles, such as serving as Chair of the KRT (Neighbourhood Committee), and actively participating in resolving the community’s problems.
Women’s involvement in mediation extends beyond environmental disputes. They are often at the forefront of conflict resolution in community disputes, such as those arising in low-cost housing areas in Lahad Datu. Through these experiences, women mediators have honed new skills and techniques for addressing social tensions. Their active participation in mediation efforts underscores their critical role in fostering community harmony and developing innovative approaches to persistent challenges.
Success Stories
A noteworthy success story shared by JPNIN involved resolving a dispute over the position of Chairman of the Neighbourhood Committee (KRT) in Taman Sri Apas, Batu 8 Balung, Tawau district. This conflict, while primarily between male candidates, garnered the active support and involvement of both men and women in the community. The dissatisfaction stemmed from the traditional practice of appointing the Chairman by the outgoing leader, who often selected relatives or close associates. This practice had historically led to discontent among residents.
To address the issue, JPNIN acted as a mediator between the disputing parties and facilitated a democratic resolution. The community called for a transparent election to appoint the new Chairman. In response, JPNIN organised a secret ballot process akin to a general election, enabling all eligible residents to vote for their preferred candidate. This democratic approach effectively resolved the conflict, as the election outcome reflected the collective will of the community rather than continuing the practice of hereditary or preferential appointments. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the resolution, which was seen as fair and inclusive.
This case underscores JPNIN’s critical role in promoting community participation and addressing grievances through mediation and democratic practices. Notably, JPNIN observed an increase in women’s involvement in community matters, further enhancing the inclusivity and representativeness of the process. While JPNIN occasionally handles complaints and requests for investigations related to neighbourhood committee elections, this successful mediation exemplifies how transparency and democratic principles can resolve conflicts and strengthen community cohesion.