TAWAU: All Malaysians have been urged to unite to build a stronger nation in the new year.
1Malaysia Foundation Trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Sabah was a practical and clear example of unity through diverse ethnic groups in the spirit of 1Malaysia.
“Although relations among the different races in the country is generally satisfactory, we should not treat issues concerning racial and religious harmony lightly,” he said in a statement yesterday.
In conjunction with the new year, Lee, who is also the vice-chairman of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), called on everyone to speak in one voice representative of every group in the country.
He said everyone should be aware of the need to respect each other and be conscious of religious and cultural sensitivities for the sake of communal harmony.
“The process of strengthening unity in Malaysia is a continuous effort and what is enjoyed now must be preserved and strengthened,” he said.
Unity should begin with an individual’s thought, emotions and actions, and then translated through his or her treatment of and service to others, he said.
“Many people take the issue of unity lightly. This is unhealthy for a nation with diverse communities, religions and cultures like Malaysia.
“Continuous effort to sustain and strengthen unity should be carried out by everyone,” he said. — Bernama