KUCHING: Malaysians should strive to become ethnic bridge-builders to unite the nation instead of ethnic heroes who only fight for race-related issues.
1Malaysia Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said doing so will make the country stronger and prevent the people from different races and religions from breaking apart.
"One of the most important task every Malaysian of various races, religions and political interests is to defend our racial and religious harmony.
"Thus, we must reject all forms of extremism that can affect peace and harmony,” he said in a statement here today.
The country will be celebrating two important and meaningful events soon, which are the 60th Merdeka (National Day) on Aug 31 and the 54th Hari Malaysia on Sept 16, he said.
“This is the time for our people to fire up their patriotic spirit and enhance the peace and harmony as well as unity among the multi-racial society, which has been an essential foundation for the country to continue progressing,” Lee said.
“Patriotism spirit should not be temporary and displayed only during the month of August (National Day) but should be part of something that lives in our heart and soul forever,” he added.
Malaysia, he said, can be an example to the world if its people respect differences among the races and recognise their diversity.
“We need to accept the fact that there will be some disagreement among us but such differences will not cause disunity…However, it is the attitude of none tolerance that will divide us,” he said.
Therefore, the “Ekspresi Negaraku” campaign should be supported by all Malaysians as its main objective is to help inculcate the spirit of patriotism.
“We can express our love for the country in different ways, including to focus on environmental causes, or help the authorities tackle various social issues and crimes,” he said.
“Even organising some community events such as gotong-royong to clean the surroundings for the safety in the neighbourhood is also a way to show that we love and care about this country,” he added.
Lee also said that Malaysians have also shown their love for the country through payment of taxes which can be used to develop the country.
“Respect for the law also shows our love for the country, as it is one of the five principles of the sacrosanct Rukun Negara.” he said.