KUCHING: Malaysians should identify themselves as Malaysians first to foster patriotism and further enhance national unity.
They also should accept each other as Malaysians regardless of race and religion and be proud to identify themselves by their nationality (Malaysians) and their race/ethnicity second, said DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak publicity secretary, Abdul Aziz Isa.
“This is vital if we are serious in fostering inter-racial harmony, integration and unity which are vital ingredients for the success of our multi-racial Malaysia,” he said in his Christmas message yesterday.
“I always believe that being a Malaysian first does not make anyone less Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban, etc.”
He said people of all races in Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya are brought closer together in the spirit of integration and national unity during Christmas celebration.
“Sabah and Sarawak are practical and visible examples of unity in diversity where Malaysians of diverse ethnic groups live, learn, work and play together harmoniously,” he pointed out.
Aziz said although ethnic relations in the country were generally satisfactory, we should certainly not take our inter-racial and inter-religious harmony for granted.
He said Malaysians of different ethnic groups should always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another.
“We should always remain vigilant and be sensitive to the religious beliefs and cultures of our fellow Malaysians,” he said.
Aziz noted that the process of establishing a united Malaysia was a continuous one and what had been achieved so far should be nurtured and reinforced.
He went on to say that unity was a priceless gift and a symbol of humanity.
“It is the foundation upon which we build relationships, families, communities and the nation. It is the bond that seals our nationhood,” he said.
Unity, he reckoned, should first start with the individual and that if there was unity in a person’s thoughts, emotions and actions, it would certainly be reflected in a person treated others.
He noted that many Malaysians now appear to take unity for granted, adding that this was not healthy for a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural Malaysia.
“Let us include every Malaysian in the building of unity. We must start speaking with one voice, one that is inclusive of Malaysians of every ethnic background based on moderation and mutual respect for one another. We all contribute to the stability and economic prosperity of this country”, he said.
