KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Minister of Defence Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri has called on the p eople of all races and beliefs in the country to always to give priority to unity and respect for smart partnership which had existed since the country achieved independence.
Abdul Rahim said that such thinking and approach was needed to look out for the welfare of people from all walks of life as it had enabled Malaysia to enjoy stability, peace and prosperity compared to other nations which were chaotic.
“It takes time and close cooperation among the people and government to build a nation.
“Moderation, tolerance and being aware of sensitivities are the foundations of ethnic and religious harmony.
“As such, to avoid conflict, every citizen must not be dragged into the game and grand political plans of certain parties who do not care about the implications and effects of their evil actions,” he said after launching the One Community One JPJ (SKSJ) programme in Pitas, about 167 kilometres from here yesterday.
Abdul Rahim also voiced his fear over the recent sensitive issues that were being played up by various parties and hoped that all concerned would not be easily drawn into emotional attacks which would ultimately destroy peace in the country.
On the SKSJ programme to license motorcyclists in rural areas, Abdul Rahim who is also the MP for Kudos, said he hoped it would give emphasis and priority to all aspects of road safety.
He said it was important as the death rate caused by road accidents in the country was about 7,000 people, 60 per cent of which involved motorcyclists and pillion riders. — Bernama