Syed Saddiq - Photos: The Star/Others
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should come together and focus on their commonalities, says Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman.
He said the country’s strengths lie in its multiracial and religious harmony.
Referring to several issues of late that have raised religious and racial tension among the public, he said: “We should all come together, reduce the tension, and focus on our commonalities.
“This is not just about tolerating one another but it should be about celebrating each other and our diversity.”
Syed Saddiq said that ethnic demagogues have no place here.
“It is much easier to break things than to build them back up. So it is important for us to find common ground, and for political leaders to engage in much needed dialogue.
“Once we cross the line, it is very hard to come back,” he said when contacted.
He also commented on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks yesterday that any breach of regulations which seemed to touch on racial sensitivities should be settled through discussions.
“I agree with what the Prime Minister said where there are sensitive issues, it is important to resolve them via dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
He also said that unity programmes should be encouraged.
“Muda members, regardless of religion and race, help one another to clean mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras and other houses of worship during post-flood clean-ups,” he said.
Muda secretary-general Amir Abd Hadi, when contacted, said the party welcomed the statement from the Prime Minister.
“Muda absolutely agrees that there should be no compromise on anyone who purposely sparks racial and religious tension, as stated by the Prime Minister.
“At the same time, racial issues cannot be dealt with by the law alone, but also through early education and dialogue,” he said.
