Malaysia has long prided itself on being a peaceful country, its citizens of different races and faiths coexisting harmoniously in tolerance and unity. Is this truly the case? There are slight problems but these are not insurmountable, Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal tells SONIA RAMACHANDRAN

MALAYSIA has enjoyed 51 good years, warts and all, and the government is working to ensure that the country continues to have a good run.

"The foundation our forefathers laid for us has to be built upon," said Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The ministry will be focusing on the youth as they are the future of the country and sports and cultural events will be the vehicles to foster unity.

"Yes, there are some slight problems but it is not of the magnitude that will lead to something dangerous," said Mohd Shafie.
"Unity in Malaysia is not bad as we can still talk to each other and mingle with one another. But, that does not mean that we can be complacent."

Mohd Shafie said there was also a tendency for issues relating to unity to crop up when the economy was not doing well.

"The economy is not the main factor but it contributes to these problems. What is important, however, is that Malaysians still do respect each other. But we have to work hard to enhance unity."

He said Malaysians had to realise that what the country had achieved so far was a blessing.

"We have had a basket of achievements in the country in terms of wealth, education and religion. In fact, we have done well across the board."

And, it was only through unity that the country could progress, he added.

Hence, the reason for this year's Merdeka theme, Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan (Unity is the pillar of success).

All young Malaysians must be made to understand this, said Mohd Shafie.

"This is the group that has not had to endure the challenges to reach where we are today.

"Isolating them on the basis of religion or race should not be allowed as it will lead to turmoil.

"We have to help bond our youths by bringing them together in an area where they have a common interest."

The minister said he had started talks with the Youth and Sports Ministry about organising more sports and cultural events and getting more youths involved.

"It was so good to see Datuk Lee Chong Wei and his coach, Datuk Misbun Sidek, together at the Olympics badminton competition.

"It was a powerful message for unity.

"We should build on things that bind us."

Mohd Shafie said that even after 51 years of independence, certain quarters were still not ready for certain things like open forums.

"So we should focus on things that can bind us. We should work at getting people to understand each other and to discuss issues in a manner that resolves problems."

Religious leaders, too, are being roped in to play a role.

"I have asked religious groups to include unity in their sermons and prayers. All religions teach us how to be good."

What are his hopes for the country as it celebrates its 51st year of independence today?

"My hope is that we achieve unity to the level that will enable us to further develop our country."