PETALING JAYA: There should be no dispute that Malaysia belongs to all races, and that its diversity should be cherished by all, say moderates and social activists.
Moderation advocate Anas Zubedy said everyone should refrain from using issues such as race and religion and turn them into political polemics.
“It is not right for any party to use race as its political capital as it is divisive.
“It brings in the votes through fear, but this is not the right way to do things,” he said yesterday.
He was asked to comment on the Prime Minister’s remarks that being a Malay should not be a reason to deny others their rights under the Federal Constitution.
Anwar had said that while the Constitution is very clear on the position of the Malays, it is also clear on protecting the welfare of all citizens in this country.
His response came after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisted recently that “Malaysia is a Malay country”.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious country that belongs to everyone.
“We have always been guided by the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara that binds the people as one family.
“As far as Malaysians are concerned, we are all one family and there should be no dispute about this.
“We always want to preserve our unity in diversity, let’s keep it this way,” he said.
Lawyer Siti Kasim, who is another advocate for moderation, said the government must also “walk the talk” when it comes to such matters.
“The Prime Minister must come up with policies that reflect such thinking.
“If you really believe in it, you need to show it through the policies,” she said, adding that politicians should not just come up with mere rhetoric.
“In the meantime, ordinary people are hurting badly trying to put food on the table.
“That should be the main priority, not just playing politics,” Siti Kasim added.
