MIRI: Unity is the backbone of political stability, economic growth and social harmony, all vital elements in the building of successful Malaysians.
THAT’S ME: Chin signs a portrait of himself after officiating at the colouring contest.
Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Peter Chin who pointed this out yesterday said the present era was where unity and stability were two critical factors that could determine the success of a developing country.
“Unity must be instilled among our children while they are still very young until they reach adulthood.
“The positive values which we teach our children are important as they will determine our children’s way of life when they become adults,” he said in his officiating address at a children colouring contest yesterday.
The activity was organised by Miri Unity and National Integration Department at the Civic Centre here.
Elaborating, Chin said the responsibility to preserve unity should not solely lie with the government or certain parties but parents and teachers should also play their roles by teaching their children or pupils the importance of unity.
“Our children must be taught to respect all religions, cultures and races so that we all can live in harmony in line with our Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia concept,” he said at the function.
Also present were the director of State Unity and National Integration Department Dirwana Azool and organising chairman Syukri Sidi.
In his address, Chin said more community-based activities should be organised as part of a continuous effort to preserve unity.
Meanwhile, a total of 983 pupils from 32 unity kindergartens in this division took part in the contest which was aimed at creating a generation with positive values.