KUALA LUMPUR: Amid heightened politicking ahead of the six state elections, more than 60 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals have come together to launch the Gabungan Patriotisme dan Perpaduan Kebangsaan (GPPK) or National Coalition of Patriotism and Unity.
The GPPK was formed to give a voice to the people and advocate national unity based on the Rukun Negara, Federal Constitution and the laws, said its interim president Brig Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji.
“We came together because we share the same determination and aspirations, to see Malaysia and its multiracial, multi-cultural and multi-religious people living together as one big family.
“This family practises mutual understanding, friendship, harmony, love, tolerance, and respect for each other with no prejudice just because we are of different races, cultures and beliefs.
“A country can never advance without national unity,” the National Patriots Association president said.
Mohamed Arshad also said the movement would soon expand to Sabah and Sarawak to include more like-minded NGOs.
He added that the Rukun Negara has been the point of reference for all efforts to unite Malaysians.
“The five principles are the key to racial harmony and unity that are capable of resolving any concerns.
“So all future programmes by the GPPK will be based on the principles of the Rukun Negara and the Constitution,” he said.
After 66 years of independence, the ex-serviceman said the coalition was sad that many were still questioning our differences, especially on race and religion that have been politicised to gain power.
“What’s worse, they poisoned and distorted the people’s minds with hatred and ill will, which are the biggest hurdle to national unity, thus impacting our country’s social and economic developments," he said.
“We should have been a successful and model nation with a united, multiracial people. Unfortunately, we are still fighting and could not ascertain what our identity is.”
He also criticised those who often brought up the May 13, 1969, incident and blamed only a single side.
“Where were you on that day, and also during the First Malayan Emergency and Malayan Communist Insurgency? If you were not born yet, it’s better to be quiet,” he said.
Among the GPPK’s pledges and recommendations were for all parties to “stop the politics of hate” and “embrace the spirit of love for the nation”, he said.
“Have strict enforcement to curb the spread of hate politics.
“Also, we need early intervention programmes to instil good values among children from young at schools,” he said.
Mohamed Arshad also said GPPK would remain a neutral and people-centric coalition with no political inclination.
“We will fight against the instigation of issues related to race, religion and royalty, and stay true to the Rukun Negara, Constitution and policies that benefit the people and our country.”
GPPK interim deputy president Stanley Yong said it served as a platform for ordinary Malaysians to amplify and have their voices heard in promoting harmony.
“We understand that Malaysians increasingly desire a better Malaysia. Together, we shall seek reconciliation to strive for the common good,” he said.
Yong, who is Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia president, said that national unity has been the pillar of social cohesion to restore peace and stability, build an environment suitable for harmonious ethnic relations and materialise social integration and ensure prosperity.
“Patriotism will create a culture of acceptance of others’ norms and values. Both national unity and patriotism form the pillars of a resilient Malaysia,” he added.
