Avoid racial politics; focus on what we can offer

SIBU: It is better to explain to the people what we (politicians) can offer them during the election season instead of playing religious and racial politics, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
 
Tiong, who is also the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), stressed that they can explain to the public what assistance, services, and initiatives they can provide, especially in helping the country face difficult times due to global economic uncertainty.
 
“To me, this is better than seeking support through dirty tactics like playing racial politics,” he said in a text-of-speech read by his deputy Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan at the MOTAC’s Ngiling Bidai with the Community @ Sibu here last night (July 7).
 
The Bintulu Member of Parliament also urged the people, especially politicians, to refrain from using racial and religious issues, as linking everything to race and religion will eventually create racial tensions.
 
“In Malaysia, there are irresponsible parties that like to incite for their own benefit during elections. They campaign by creating hatred towards other races and religions to gain the support of the Malay community.
 
“These people are trying to play on racial and religious cards, just for their own benefits and political interests!” he stressed.
 
He said that all races can understand the meaning of the social contract that exists through feelings of love in a harmonious and multicultural environment, giving and receiving, and respecting one another.
 
“Consider how we can unravel the problems that arise when religious and racial sensitivities are manipulated if there is no spirit of tolerance, togetherness, and embracing diversity.
 
“We need to practice tolerance in the context of a diverse society. A society with diverse religions and ethnicities is the uniqueness of our country,” he said.
 
Tiong said if people want to witness the true spirit of harmonious Malaysia, come to Sarawak, as it reflects the true unity of Malaysia.
 
“What can be done here becomes a significant issue when done in Peninsular Malaysia. That’s the reality when there are a few parties who like to divide society by using extremist religious and racial sentiments,” he said.
 
For the record, the Election Commission has fixed August 12 as polling day and July 29 as nomination day for the elections in six states in the peninsular.
 
The six states are Kelantan, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Terengganu, and Negeri Sembilan.