KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians must remember the foundations of our nationhood in their struggle to fight for rights, especially state interests.
Sabah National Civics Bureau director Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said people should be careful in their actions to avoid creating confusion and disharmony.
“We are a federal nation with many states and components. Each state will fight for its interests.
“However, extra care must be taken in the approach used.
“Do not let the method used to fight for state rights jeopardise our harmony and the 1Malaysia spirit,” he said after the “Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa” dialogue with media practitioners here today.
He was responding to groups that promote the “Sabah for Sabahan” slogan when fighting for the rights of the state and its people.
He said the bureau had received reports that some quarters only sing the Sabah Tanah Airku state anthem and not the national anthem during official functions.
“I don’t know what’s the objective, but this is irresponsible and needs to stop. Don’t invite unnecessary controversy.”
About 30 media practitioners attended the closed-door dialogue, jointly organised by the bureau and Sabah Journalists Association, and shared ideas on national values.
A suggestion raised during the dialogue was the need to hold Malaysia Day celebrations on a bigger scale in peninsula states.
“I’m happy with the views shared by Sabah media practitioners, which we need to address and improve on. All ideas will be forwarded to the country’s leadership.
“We commend the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for making Malaysia Day a significant celebration.”