KUCHING, Oct 3: The Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to the People’s Republic of China, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing says many netizens have claimed that racism exists only in politics, after a list which claimed Malaysia is the second most racist country in the world went viral on social media.
He said they believe this situation is caused by manipulation by politicians, causing strife between different ethnic groups and making them increasingly divided and suspicious of each other.
“Looking back in time to Malaysian folks in the 1960s and 1970s, there were no such controversies. But after the 1990s, these divisive murmurings began to appear. The harmony of various ethnic groups living together was slowly undermined.
“I do think that political parties, politicians, and even young people must start reminding themselves and do some self-reflection, to realise again that Malaysia is a multi-racial country,” he said when gracing Persatuan Kung Siong Sibu’s 14th Installation of Board of Directors for the 2022-2024 term held at Kingwood Hotel in Sibu yesterday (Oct 2), according to a post on his Facebook page.
He further called upon opposition parties to perform self-reflection, instead of inciting hatred based along racial and religious lines just to gain political mileage and capital.
“Focus your energies on serving the people and proper governance. Provide constructive thoughts in the political arena and lead the people together,” he added.
At the event, Tiong who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman thanked Persatuan Kung Siong Sibu for their continuous close engagements with local education groups and public welfare organisations in Sibu.
“By doing these missions, the association strives to let our children grow in a healthy environment and pave their way to better education,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
