Sunday May 12, 2013

Youths point the way towards unity

JOHOR BARU: Youths want politicians to take a cue and learn from them on how to be united.

Khatijah Sabari, 18, who works at a local convenience shop here said it was a shame how politicians were using the race card for their own political gain.

“My closest friends are Chinese and Indians. These politicians should learn about unity from us.

Tan Hu Jia

“We spend so much time together and have never looked at each other differently because of race,” she said, adding that the people must be sensitive and refrain from making accusations with racial undertones.

Another 18-year-old student, Tan Hu Jia, said that only a small group of people had been harping on racial issues.

“I am glad to see that whatever that has happened has actually brought us, the youths, closer to each other.

“My friends from all backgrounds share the same opinion as I do and they all want to work together as one nation and eliminate racism,” she said.

College student V. Diana Valentina said it was disappointing to see some elders and members of the community speak in a racist manner.

Chong Mun Yi

“We have been taught since young about the importance of respect and the young understand how important it is to uphold respect especially in a multicultural and racial country like ours.

“I think that making hurtful and derogatory statements especially in support of political parties is not acceptable,” she said, adding that she identifies herself and others as a Malaysian first.

Another student, Chong Mun Yi, 18, said it is great to see how people come together even after some groups kept harping on racist sentiments.

“It is good to see that the majority of us have not been affected by all these.

“Most of my friends and I have put up messages of unity on Facebook and blogs and this shows that we just want peace and harmony,” she said.

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