Moderation in DNA of M’sians – Kurup
CYBERJAYA: Malaysia’s success stories as a united nation is significantly contributed by the ‘wasatiyyah’ or moderation practised by Malaysians, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
He said moderation had generally been in the DNA of the rakyat and that might be the reason why Malaysians seemed to co-exist very well, as compared to many parts of the world.
“Malaysia, and being a Malaysian, are about being moderate, having a high level of tolerance and seeking common grounds, without diminishing anyone’s self-respect.
“These values are our brand for national unity, mark of our evolution as a nation because tolerance and moderation are like Siamese twins, inseparable,” he said at the launch of the International Day for Tolerance for Malaysia here yesterday.
The event, jointly organised by the Department of National Unity and Integration and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, was to celebrate the United Nations International Day for Tolerance observed on November 16 each year, to help Malaysian understand the importance of tolerance.
Meanwhile, Kurup said Malaysia should not allow racist, religious bigots and other trouble makers to hijack unity and take away the peace and tranquillity enjoyed for a long time.
“As a civilised society with deep religious roots and respect for the rule of law, there is no need for screaming and no need for hate speeches if things go wrong.
“It is only common sense for all of us that we only need to lodge a police report when you think something is not right, not take the law into your own hands,” he added.
He also thanked Selangor Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah over the return of 351 Malay and Iban-language Bibles to the Association of Churches in Sarawak after they were seized from the Bible Society of Malaysia.
The Bibles were seized by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) in January for using the word, ‘Allah’ to refer to God. – Bernama