KUCHING: The threat of extremism looms on the Malaysian horizon and it is up to Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders to defuse any tension before it gets out of hand.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said while the threat of extremism was real, history has proven that the people could overcome the challenge with a moderate approach.
"When our country was born 57 years ago, we faced the threat of armed conflict from Indonesia as well as from the communists.
“Leaders from the Alliance party back managed to defuse the tension by working together regardless of race and religion," said Adenan when launching the BN Youth Retreat 2014 here last night.
Adenan, who is state BN chairman said in a multi-cultural country like Malaysia, one could not afford to single out a group or to give special treatment to any group because diversity has always been the foundation of the country.
"The danger of fanaticism and extremism is real, and it could come from any quarter. This could leave the moderate majority trapped in between.
“Malaysia doesn't belong to you or me alone. It is our country. Moderates must make a stand and prove their point, " Adenan added.
The three-day retreat was attended by youth wing members from all 13 BN component parties.
It was held to discuss current issues and to chart the party's strategy for the coming state election, which political observers said could happen soon.
Adenan said leaders from the peninsula should study the Sarawak approach on managing diversity among the people, as the problem is rather minimal compared to the other side.
"BN is based on diversity, so we should preserve it for our country's future. We are all Malaysians as agreed in the Constitution so for a start,” Adenan added.
Also present were BN Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and State BN Youth chief Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.