One for all, all for one: Gabungan Patriotisme dan Perpaduan Kebangsaan (GPPK) members posing for a photograph after the press conference. – IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: With racial and religious sentiments heightened ahead of the six state elections, more than 60 non-governmental organisations have come together to “stop the politics of hate” and “embrace the spirit of love of the nation”
Calling itself the Gabungan Patriotisme dan Perpaduan Kebangsaan (GPPK) or National Coalition of Patriotism and Unity, it comprises ex-servicemen, civic society and religious groups as well as other NGOs and their affiliate members. The grouping aims to give a voice to the people and advocate national unity based on the Rukun Negara, Federal Constitution and laws.
“We come 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,” said Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji, the interim president of GPPK, during a press conference to launch the coalition yesterday.
“This family practises mutual understanding, friendship, harmony, love, tolerance and respect, and helps each other with no prejudice just because we are of a different race, culture and beliefs. A country can never advance without national unity,” he said.
The movement, he added, will soon expand to Sabah and Sarawak to include more like-minded NGOs and add to the more than 60 currently.
Mohamed Arshad, who is also the president of the National Patriots Association, noted 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 coalition is sad to see that many are still questioning the differences among the people, 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 wills, which are the biggest hurdles for national unity, thus impacting our country’s social and economic developments.
“We should have been a successful model nation that unites its multiracial people who are all Bangsa Malaysia. Unfortunately, we are still fighting and could not ascertain what our identity is,” he said.
Mohamed Arshad said a politician’s narrative of “I am a Malay first” impedes national unity. He also chided those who often raised the spectre of the May 13, 1969 riots and blamed a single side for the incident.
“Where were you on that day, and also during the Malayan Emergency and communist insurgency? If you were not born yet, it’s better to be quiet.”
Among the GPPK’s pledges and recommendations are 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.”
Mohamed Arshad said GPPK will 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 the coalition serves as a platform for ordinary Malaysians to amplify their voices in promoting harmony across the diverse groups in Malaysia.
“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 the president of Gabungan Bertindak Malaysia, said that patriotism will create a culture of acceptance of others’ norms and values.
