Promote a culture of peace
FESTIVE occasions in our multiracial nation should be used to promote moderation, social cohesion and racial integration through the participation in celebrations involving all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion.
As Malaysian Chinese celebrate the lunar Year of the Monkey, Malaysians of other races and religious faiths should use the ccasion to further strengthen the bonds of friendship, inter-racial and inter-religious harmony in the true spirit of 1 Malaysia.
Malaysia is unique in that the festive occasion of one ethnic group is also celebrated by other ethnic groups making our festive occasions truly multiracial in character.
Building understanding and respect among the diverse ethnic groups based on the provisions in the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara is the key to peace and harmony in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
Multi-racial living and community are part of our history and heritage. They have become an important source of racial integration for many years and have certainly played a part in making Malaysia a harmonious place to live, learn, work and play.
Social cohesion and unity are priceless gifts, that must be preserved and cherished by all Malaysians. .
To me, achieving unity among the diverse races, religions and cultures is the nation’s biggest challenge – the challenge that is key to our very survival.
Racial and religious polarisation are the biggest obstacles to social cohesion and national unity and it should be the responsibility of all Malaysians to reject such polarisation in whatever form for the sake of racial and religious harmony as well as unity.
The immediate and most urgent task for all Malaysians today is to stand up and be counted to check the surge of racism, extremism and religious bigotry that has reared its ugly head in recent years.
For those who persist in making incendiary statements and instigate racial and religious tension, action should be taken against them without fear or favour to help restore public confidence in the process.
Respect for one another’s culture and religion has been the hallmark of our multi-racial society.
It is the duty of each and every Malaysian, irrespective of race and religion, to keep building respect among various religions in our multi-religious nation.
Annual festivities like Hari Raya, Christmas, Deepavali and the Chinese New Year are auspicious occasions for all races to cultivate harmony, goodwill, peace and unity.
Every Malaysian should be fully committed to preserving harmony, goodwill and unity. Relentless efforts must be made by everyone to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity.