Be more civic-minded, Lee tells M’sians
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should have greater civic consciousness and play their roles in building a better nation, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He believes Malaysians should work hard to do their part, and not expect the government to shoulder all responsibilities.
“Many Malaysians are in a state of euphoria over the change of government and new era.
“But unfortunately many have not changed their attitude and mentality. I still see reckless driving, people throwing garbage into the rivers and drains, and acts of vandalism everywhere,” he said.
Lee, who is the member of Yayasan Perpaduan Malaysia board of trustees, was speaking to reporters after launching the #SaySomethingNice for National Day campaign at SEGi University here.
He said unity can only be achieved through action and deeds, and that corporate organisations should step up their efforts to promote unity.
While companies launched corporate social responsibility projects to help the poor and needy and to preserve the environment, not many chose unity as the theme, he said.
“Every corporate organisation should look into unity as their corporate agenda. This can be done by creating and sponsoring unity campaigns,” he said.
Citing Petronas, CIMB Group and Mydin, Lee said these are the companies that initiate projects promoting unity.
“For instance, Petronas produces meaning-
ful advertisements focusing on unity every National Day. More companies should join in,” he added.
Lee, who is also Eco World Foundation chairman, highlighted the #AnakAnakMalaysia Walk which is jointly organised by Eco World Development Group Bhd and Star Media Group.
“The event brings together Malaysians from different backgrounds. All of us walk as Malaysians and not as Malay, Chinese or Indians,” he said.
Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Anas Zubedy said promoting unity should become a norm among companies in Malaysia.
“We hope it will become a culture, and business organisations will allocate some resources, talent and time to create and involve themselves in campaigns promoting unity,” he said, adding that it would be even better if companies let young millennials take charge of the campaigns.
Since 2011, #SaySomethingNice is an annual campaign that seeks to use the 17 days between National Day and Malaysia Day as a time of peace and positivity.
More than 30 unity-related projects will be conducted nationwide this year.
For details, visit https://www.saysomethingnice.com.my/.