Put aside race, religion in order to be united — Dr Chan

MIRI: Malaysians should put aside the interest of their race and religion so as to be united as one community.

They should also identify themselves as Malaysians first because only then could the country be united against any bad element that could divide them.

Apart from that, leaders should be the leading example in putting aside race and religious issues if they want the country to be united, said former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

“I strongly feel that the leaders must have the courage to tone down the race issue. See ourselves as the people of our country Malaysia before anything else.

“Take the Indian community, for example, they are of many sub- groups who originated from north, south, east and west of India. However, though they are only a small group here, the strong bond between them should be a learning example to all,” he

Take the Indian community, for example, they are of many sub-groups who originated from north, south, east and west of India. However, though they are only a small group here, the strong bond between them should be a learning example to all. Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, former deputy chief minister

stressed in his speech at the Miri Indian Community’s Indian New Year Celebration at a local hotel recently.

On the coming general election, Dr Chan reminded the people to think wisely before making any decision, saying their vote decides the future of the country and Miri.

“Whoever the BN candidate, I believe that candidate would be one who is well- prepared and experienced to bring more development to Miri,” he said, adding that he too was anticipating the list of candidates.

Organised by Miri Indian Community in collaboration with Moving Communities, the celebration saw the attendance of more than 60 members and their friends.

Among them were Dr Chan’s wife Datuk Lorna Enan Muloon, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Rita Lau who represented her husband mayor Adam Yii, and president of Miri Hindu Society Sivashakaran Nair.

Moving Communities is a community that is put together by women from different communities here.

As an encouragement, Dr Chan, who is the patron of Miri Indian Community, pledged RM5,000 while Ting also pledged RM5,000 to Moving Communities for its activities.