Don’t disrupt racial solidarity, says Shafie
> ‘Media must publish accurate information’
SEMPORNA: Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal yesterday called on media practitioners to disseminate accurate and authentic information, particularly on issues pertaining to racial solidarity.
“Do not publish inaccurate information that can disrupt racial solidarity and national harmony,” he said at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house attended by about 10,000 people of various communities.
He said the attendance of people of all communities at the open houses reflected the strong racial solidarity in the country.
“This is the unique situation we have in our country, with every community celebrating festivals together. Let’s hope that all the people will help strengthen the solidarity we have nurtured for so long,” he said.
Mohd Shafie also paid tribute to the security forces personnel, especially those on duty maintaining the peace and sovereignty of Sabah.
“Many security forces personnel have fallen in ensuring national security. Even during festivals, they discharge their responsibility with dedication despite being far away from their families,” he said.
Former Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Sakaran Dandai, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and Sulabayan state assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong also attended the open house.
Meanwhile, in IPOH, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah said politicians should focus on “political facts” in the interest of the people.
“The political culture in our country is very different from that of other countries. In other countries, politics only happens during the election and campaigns but in Malaysia it happens throughout the year.
“Some politicians play (up) issues of racism and hatred and (launch) personal attacks, thus causing hatred among the people.
“This should not be the way; so politicians, let us focus on political facts, that is, we concentrate during the election and when it is over, we concentrate on the issue of development.
“Any difference of opinion can be discussed and not by looking for government’s faults,” he told reporters at the Tambun parliamentary constituency Aidilfitri open house at his residence attended by about 10,000 visitors here on Saturday.