KUCHING, September 14: Malaysians are reminded to move on and stop dwelling on racial politics stirred during the last general election (GE14) on May 9.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Youth Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said it was apparent that racial unity among Malaysians had taken a knock since the polls.
This was caused by the racial politics-based campaigns brought about by various political parties in their bid to win votes from specific communities, he said when reading out Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s speech during the MyMerdeka programme at Mydin Petra Jaya here today.
In that regard, the public should restore the racial harmony that had been the country’s strength in the spirit of Malaysia Day, he added.
“After GE14, there has been a decline in racial harmony following racial-based election campaigns by some political parties. This should be left behind so that we can preserve the racial harmony that we have been enjoying all this while.
“Malaysians should prove their love for the country in several ways, including waving the Jalur Gemilang with pride,” he said.
Celebrating Malaysia Day alone would not be enough as it is only a celebration for that day, he opined. Ideally, it should be remembered at all times with undivided sense of belonging.
“The Information Department (co-organiser of MyMerdeka programme) has taken a well-thought approach in inculcating this among Malaysians by organising exhibitions and distributing reading materials related to Malaysia Day, which serves as a guide to the people on the history of our country,” he said.
Abdul Karim called on the people to visit the MyMerdeka programme to not just enhance their knowledge of Malaysia Day but also to meet other people, including participating government agencies.
“I hope more of such programmes can be organised with various agencies and groups of people working together to ensure the success of the event,” he said. — DayakDaily
