‘Instil national unity East Malaysian way’

PETALING JAYA: Prominent social activists have backed veteran politician Tan Sri Leo Moggie’s recent criticism of Peninsular Malaysian politicians who cause disunity by exploiting race and religion.

Moggie, one of the longest-serving Cabinet ministers, at 26 years as of 2004, had said Peninsular Malaysian politicians should learn from Sabah and Sarawak, where race and religion are personal matters and never politicised. The two states, which have many more ethnic races than in the peninsula, promotes diversity as the driving force for national unity.

Former National Unity Council member Tan Sri Dr Ramon Navaratnam said Malaysians in the peninsula, particularly politicians, should learn from Sabah and Sarawak, which practise racial and religious harmony.

“If we follow the best practice on harmony adopted by Sabah and Sarawak, we would have progressed faster than we have thus far, especially after the 1980s,” he said.

Ramon, who is also a former top civil servant, said racial and religious harmony during the early days of Malaysia’s independence is a sharp contrast to the prevailing race and religion card being played up today.

“We enjoy religious harmony to a certain extent,” he said, adding that the rule of law forbidding citizens to disrupt national unity by exploiting race and religion must be seriously enforced, and violators dealt with severely.”

He said currently, politicians and leaders have used race and religion to enhance their political campaigning.

“This is unforgivable. Politicians should take a strong stand against such exploitation, which can cause much disharmony in the country.”

Ramon said voters are always calling on politicians not to exploit race and religion during their campaign speeches, but such rhetoric still continues.

He also appealed to the people to vote only for leaders who promoted racial harmony and not disunity.

Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said it was a huge setback that certain politicians in Peninsular Malaysia were still exploiting race and religion for their selfish interests.

“I agree that it is a timely piece of advice, but exploitation of religion still takes place.

“Unity of our multiracial people determines the success of Malaysia. Our country needs more ethnic bridge builders and not ethnic heroes.”

Lee said Malaysia’s future and success very much depended on national unity.

“Enough is enough,” he said of politicians who are bent on promoting racism.

He added that Malaysians should practise the five principles of the Rukun Negara as it is the guiding light for the nation.

“The Rukun Negara is not just a matter of memorising verses and reciting them,” Lee said.

He stressed that Malaysians need to foster mutual understanding as the country is a multiracial one.

“I hope Malaysia can strengthen interracial understanding and bring it to greater heights,” he said.