‘We need bridge-builders, not ethnic heroes’

KUALA LUMPUR: Race and religious matters must not be exploited to affect national unity, says Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

Lee said the irresponsible actions and racial utterances that affected interracial harmony and national unity must be stopped.

He said as the country recently celebrated the 57th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia and 63rd anniversary of Merdeka, it was an opportune moment to reflect on what it had done well, and what it might not have.

“We have made tremendous progress in many fields of national development, for which we must rightly be proud of.

“But what are our major shortcomings and challenges in the years ahead?

“I don’t think many will disagree that we have not done too well in nurturing national unity. That has been our biggest challenge for many years and will remain so for many years to come if we do not embark on the right measures to address the issue.

“We are still grappling with issues regarding race and religion that are brought up from time to time by irresponsible people,” he said yesterday.

He said Malaysia, a diverse country, must implement moderation as the fundamental principle for greater integration and unity. He stressed that moderation must not be a mere slogan, but reflected in all government policies to be implemented for the benefit of the nation.

“The irresponsible actions and racial utterances that have given rise to serious consequences affecting interracial harmony and national unity must be halted.

“Since these actions have largely gone unchecked, they have contributed to tension and illfeeling, resulting in social polarisation. Needless to say, this is a very unhealthy situation. We don’t need these issues, especially at challenging times like this.”

He said it was crucial for the government to pay serious attention to this seemingly escalating problem.

Lee said it was not the right time to applaud “ethnic heroes”, but to identify more “ethnic bridge-builders” to break down the serious racial divide in the larger interest of improving ethnic relations in the country.

“It is time for Malaysians to be aware and take a firm stand against divisive forces that can tear our social fabric apart and cause disunity. Multiracial living is our history and heritage.

“Let’s always remember that ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. Unity is a priceless gift. We must never lose it.”