AS Malaysian Muslims are in the midst of celebrating another Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Malaysians of other races and religions should use the festive occasion to further strengthen the bonds of friendship, inter-racial and inter-religious harmony in the true spirit of 1Malaysia.
This Hari Raya festive occasion is all the more significant in terms of improving inter-ethnic relations in the wake of the recent disturbing Low Yat Plaza episode where an incident of theft was given a racial slant.
Muslims and others who join in the Hari Raya celebration help to give meaning to the multiracial and multi-religious character of our nation, which forms the basis of nation-building in a multiracial country.
Malaysia is unique in that the festive occasion of one ethnic group is also celebrated by other ethnic groups making our festive occasions truly multiracial in character.
Building understanding and respect among various religions based on the provisions in the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara are key to peace and harmony in a multiracial and multi-religious country like Malaysia.
Respect for one another’s religion has been the hallmark of our multiracial society.
It is the duty of each and every Malaysian irrespective of race and religion to keep building respect among various religions in our multiracial and multi-religious nation.
Annual festivities such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, Gawai and Kaamatan are auspicious occasions for all races to cultivate harmony, goodwill, peace and unity.
Malaysians have every reason to be proud that they can celebrate various festivities in peace and harmony unlike what is happening in some war-torn countries.
The important task of each and every Malaysian is to contribute towards national unity while working towards improving our economy and social well-being.
National unity is the key to the success of the nation.
As such Malaysians should use every opportunity to strengthen the spirit of unity through greater interaction with one another in all spheres of human activities.
Every Malaysian should be fully committed to preserving harmony, goodwill and unity.
Relentless efforts must be made by everyone to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity.
Malaysia is indeed a colourful tapestry and it reminds us that we exist in a country with diversities in terms of race, religion and culture – a uniqueness which is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Many nations around the world recognise Malaysia for her diversity and uniqueness.
Political leaders and Malaysians should take to heart these diversities and practise them in daily life.
We need not only to embrace 1Malaysia values but we need to put them into practise and give meaning to the 1Malaysia concept.
Racial harmony and unity must never be taken for granted.
We have to ensure that the country’s unity, painstakingly built and carefully nurtured over the years and which remains one of our cornerstones, is not threatened by any quarters.
To realise this, Malaysians of all races must be totally committed to the principle of moderation and the need for inter-racial understanding and its acceptance in a multiracial community.
Therefore let us all embrace our differences and respect our diversity.
We must make moderation and unity in diversity a cornerstone in nation building and a hallmark in our national life.
Everyone has a role to play by giving greater emphasis to social cohesion, moderation and unity instead of perpetrating any incendiary act inimical to racial or religious harmony in our multi-racial nation.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, National Unity Consultative Council Deputy Chairman.