Reconcile and strengthen unity after GE14
STAR Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has clearly explained in his recent On the Beat column, “Vitriol not valid or vital” (Sunday Star, May 6), that the point of having a general election in a democracy is to allow the people to exercise their rights to choose their leaders from a pool of political parties.
However, he stressed that there was something toxic about politics in Malaysia that could throw logic and good grace out the window, as exemplified by the heated general election campaign.
It cannot be denied that excessive and bitter campaigning by political parties and aspiring individuals has created adverse effects among the people, with some giving their relatives and friends the cold shoulder.
I have seen close friends not talking to each other after a heated argument over politics while others left WhatsApp groups when political messages they were not comfortable with were shared by other members.
It’s quite a disturbing situation as we are supposed to maintain good neighbourliness, harmony and unity, and put family ties and friendship above all, including politics.
Hopefully, there would be no lasting bitterness or hatred among the people since there is still a long road ahead for our nation.
Regardless of which political party we support, we should reconcile and strengthen understanding and unity after the election because we share the same hopes, dreams and goals for this country we call home.
What is of utmost importance is maturity and the need to have mutual respect for one another’s views and arguments.
The most urgent task for all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation is to ensure racial and religious harmony.
We must also reject all forms of extremism which can undermine interracial and interreligious peace and harmony.
As responsible and patriotic Malaysians, it is our duty to work for peace and harmony and refrain from acts of provocation and violence which will result in conflict and chaos.
We must never allow the harmonious relations among the various races to be threatened by racial polarisation and excessive politics.
Those who were elected to form the government must remember that whatever they do will not only affect us in the next five years but will also determine the fate of our country and future generations.
As for the new members of parliament and state assemblymen, they must do justice to their electorate.
As elected representatives, they must be both legislators as well as public servants. They must address the issues of the nation in parlia- ment, give their full commitment to their constituency and always make themselves available when needed.
To get voters to support them, elected representatives must also be effective, sincere, honest, dedicated and committed to serving their constituents.
I hope the newly elected MPs and state assemblymen will serve the people with integrity and help weed out corruption and power abuse.
We cannot be unconcerned and complacent about corruption because it attacks not only the economic and social fabric of society but also the moral foundations of order.
All of us, particularly the new elected representatives, must uphold integrity and make it their way of life, besides living up to the expectations of the people and their electorate.