Zahid: We are Malaysians first

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Deputy Prime Minister calls on communities to rise above race and religion to embrace racial diversity

Zahid (centre) admiring a red lantern before lighting it to mark the celebration. Also seen (from left) are Chan, Abang Johari, Nancy and Masing (second right). — Photo by Chimon Upon

Zahid (centre) admiring a red lantern before lighting it to mark the celebration. Also seen (from left) are Chan, Abang Johari, Nancy and Masing (second right). — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: The different communities in the nation must rise above race and religion and see themselves as Malaysians first.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said regardless of race or religion, the whole nation should consider themselves as Malaysians that belong to one big family, as unity through embracing diversity was the only way forward.

The Home Minister said people who stirred up racial or religious hatred were narrow minded and had no interest in seeing the whole nation progress together.

“Even though I am a Malay we are all Malaysians. So, we are one family,” Zahid said in his opening remark – which he said in Mandarin – when officiating at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Federation of Chinese Associations Mooncake Festival 2015 at Taman Sahabat here yesterday.

Present among the crowd of about 3,000 were Deputy Home Minister Masir Kujat, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri, Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, MBKS mayor Datuk James Chan and Temenggong Lu Kim Yong, who is the chairman of the Federation of Kuching and Samarahan Divisions Chinese Associations.

Prior to his working visit to the state, Zahid mentioned there were several postings in the social media urging Sarawakians not to attend the mooncake and lantern festival as he would officiate at the function. Responding to the posting which labelled him as a racist, the deputy prime minister noted that thousands – of various races from all walks of life – attended the event.

“Time to put politics aside. This Mooncake and Lantern Festival is a cultural event not only for the Chinese but celebrated by all Malaysians. The whole nation should embrace each other’s colourful culture and festivals regardless of ethnicity. Obviously there are no racism here,” he continued.

Zahid also advised the people not to listen to any anti-peninsula or anti-Malay statements. He pointed out that such racist messages were not spread by government officers or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) but by individuals and certain public figures out to destroy the unity of the whole nation.

On another note, he assured that Putrajaya would adhere to the state’s requests in return for a continuous strong support from the people here towards the Federal government.

Later Zahid distributed mooncakes to non-governmental organisations and participated in the lighting of the lantern to celebrate the occasion.