Important for Rukunegara to be respected by all: Lee
Published on: Monday, April 27, 2015
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Kota Kinabalu: It is important for the Rukunegara to be respected by all as the guide for nation-building, said 1 Malaysia Foundation Trustee, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye. "What is equally important is that the rights of all Malaysians as enshrined in our Federal Constitution must always be upheld and safeguarded," he said in a statement here Sunday.
Lee said the Rukunegara was a shared vision for National Unity.
ADVERTISEMENT "Its principle should always be upheld and practised for we must never take for granted the stability, peace and harmony we have attained so far," he said.
Towards this end, he said Sabah and Sarawak are practical and visible examples of unity in diversity where Malaysians of diverse ethnic groups were able to live, learn, work and play together harmoniously.
"It is worthy of emulation by Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia," he said.
Lee said that Malaysians of different ethnic origin must always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another, particularly on racial and religious matters as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
ADVERTISEMENT "They must always remain vigilant and be conscious of the sensitivities of our respective religions and cultures for the sake of inter-racial and inter-religious harmony.
"The very recent incident in Taman Medan, Petaling Jaya in Peninsular Malaysia where protestors demanded that a Church there take down the cross was an abhorrent act which went against the very spirit of Article 11 of the Constitution pertaining to the right to freely profess and practise one's religion," he said.
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Lee said that all Malaysians must adopt and practise the principle of moderation, which is the key to nation-building.
"The most urgent task of all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation is to ensure racial and religious harmony and reject all forms of extremism which can undermine inter-racial and inter-religious peace and harmony.
"This is the time for all level-headed patriotic Malaysians to stand up and be counted in furthering the cause of a united Malaysian nation," he said.
This is not the time for anyone to make incendiary statements, which are provocative and can lead to conflict and tension with serious consequences affecting peace, harmony and national unity.
"As responsible and patriotic Malaysians it is our profound duty to work for peace and harmony and refrain from acts of provocation and violence which will result in conflict and chaos," he said.
Lee said the 1 Malaysia Foundation has spoken up loud and clear that what Malaysia needs today are not ethnic heroes but sincere ethnic bridge builders and peace ambassador's who can help foster goodwill, mutual respect, peace and harmony.
"The time has come for us to identify more ethnic bridge builders and emphasize on their crucial role, at this juncture, to breakdown the serious racial divide in the larger interest of improving ethnic relations in our country.
"Multiracial living and community are part of our history and heritage.
They have become a key source of racial integration for years and have certainly played a part in making Malaysia a harmonious place to live, learn, work and play.
"Everyone has a role to play by giving greater emphasis to the idea of Malaysian Oneness and Togetherness based on the great values and virtues taught by all the religions and races instead of harping on and exploiting ethnic sentiments.
"Unity in diversity is a priceless gift that must be cherished by all Malaysians.
Every peace-loving Malaysian regardless of race should be fully committed to promoting a culture of peace, harmony and unity.
"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.
"We all contribute to the stability and economic prosperity of his country.
Let us all be committed to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity," said Lee.