IT was a wake-up call for our nation when a simple case of mobile phone theft turned into unrest at Plaza Low Yat on Sunday. The matter, which was criminal in nature, caused mayhem and widespread anxiety with netizens having a field day making provocative comments along racial lines without any verification of facts, and sent jitters down the spine of all Malaysians and foreign investors.
Malaysians cannot afford to fall prey to mob psychology based on hate messages, as reminded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
There is an urgent need for educational institutions to create a strategic plan to foster the spirit of unity and patriotism for nation- building through sports and cultural initiatives, and reject extremism, suspicion and mistrust among the various communities. This is very important because the younger generation will be our future leaders.
Nowadays we see more division among Malaysians, especially in schools, and this is carried over to our universities.
If the future generation is not united and does not have the vision and mission, the stability that we are enjoying will be affected and will derail all programmes that foster peace and harmony in multiracial Malaysia.
Nation-building must be anchored to mutual respect, understanding and a positive culture of tolerance among the various communities, without which our aim of becoming a high-income developed country will have little meaning.
It is important that the various stakeholders including parents, religious institutions and non-governmental organisations are held equally responsible in ensuring that the spirit of national unity continues to be strengthened, especially among our students at all levels of education.
Our educational institutions should continue to develop a conducive social environment and encourage communication and interaction among students to realise a Malaysian identity.
C. Sathasivam Sitheravellu,Seremban, Negri Sembilan