PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should not take unity for granted in light of the world becoming more divisive, say moderates.
Moderate advocate Tawfik Ismail said the nation’s inclusive approach to fostering unity had helped it achieve success.
“Malaysians remain united despite the divisiveness that has split societies in several countries around the world today.
“We should not take such things for granted and should strive to strengthen our unity,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Tawfik, the son of the country’s second deputy prime minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, cited the recent street riots in Britain and divisive politics surrounding the US presidential elections as examples of how a nation could be easily torn apart if its people are not united.
“It is important to understand and respect each other’s religious beliefs and customs within the proper perspective of our history.
“The Malays in this country were not always Muslims.We had a Hindu and Buddhist past, which helped form our present-day customs and culture,” he said.
He recommended stepping up efforts to strengthen ties among Malaysians, especially those residing in Sabah and Sarawak.
“There must be greater unity between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak. For too long, our geographical separation has not united us enough,” he said.
Yesterday, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, said Malaysia’s hard work to promote the unity of its diverse people had been recognised internationally.
In his address at the Regional South-East Asia Human Dignity Conference, Sultan Nazrin said Malaysians of all races, religions and geographic locations should believe that they had “a place under the Malaysian sun”.
Meanwhile, Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said those with extreme views should not be allowed to push their selfish agenda.She said politicians here should not be allowed to promote their “brand of racism”, adding that Sarawak could be used as a model for unity.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education (Magpie) chairman Mak Chee Kin said sports could be used as a good way to strengthen unity.
“The Paris Olympics is a good example, especially the national badminton team, which brought the entire nation to its feet cheering. This shows that Malaysians can be colour-blind and unite as a nation,” he said.
Author and moderation advocate Anas Zubedy said Malaysians should avoid having a “myopic and naive” view of the nation’s history if greater unity is to be forged.
