Politicking over, time to ensure national harmony, says Lee
SIBU: Malaysians need to continue ensuring racial and religious harmony now that the dust has settled down on the just concluded 14th General Election (GE14).
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasised this being the most urgent task of all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation.
He called for all to build a new era in race relations where everyone regards themselves as Malaysians.
“Since the people of various races have voiced out, we must seize this opportunity to help build a truly united Malaysia as unity is of paramount importance for our future,” Lee said in a press release here yesterday.
He highlighted that people must never allow the harmonious relations among the various races to be threatened by racial polarisation and excessive politics, which could lead to racial discord and lack of understanding and mutual respect.
Lee added: “As responsible and patriotic Malaysians, it is our profound duty to work for peace, harmony, unity and refrain from acts of provocation and violence which will result in conflict and chaos.”
He pointed out in the true spirit of parliamentary democracy the people have spoken in the GE14 and the verdict has been accepted by all.
A new government brings high expectations, new hopes and aspirations for a better Malaysia which needs to be realised in the course of time, said Lee.
“Congratulations to Pakatan Harapan for their victory and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was sworn in as Prime Minister for the second time after assuming the same post on July 16, 1981.”
Lee also said the newly- elected representatives from both the ruling and opposition parties have their respective role to play to serve the nation and people as well as to ensure the practice of parliamentary democracy through a proper ‘check and balance’ system.
Government servants should also carry out their responsibilities by serving professionally and giving full support to the government of the day.
The nation has seen a bitter political campaign involving all the candidates.
He said now that the election is over Malaysians are looking forward to new policies and new direction for the future.
“Malaysians are also waiting anxiously to see how the new government will tackle the serious issue of corruption and integrity and help alleviate the hardship of the poor of all races.
“We also look forward to see how measures could be implemented to bring about the institutional reforms which should make all our government institutions truly independent and professional to serve the desired objectives,” Lee pointed out.
Before this, many quarters had complained about the weakening of such institutions, including the judiciary, the police and the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission and others, he observed.
“Now that a new government has been formed in accordance with the wishes of the people, we should now focus on addressing our debts issue, strengthening our economy, reinforcing our unity because despite our differences we share the same hopes, dreams and goals in a country we call home,” Lee said.
Since the people of various races have voiced out, we must seize this opportunity to help build a truly united Malaysia as unity is of paramount importance for our future. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, social activist