KLANG: The Malay community should compete with non-Malays in business and not resort to boycotting products as it creates an unhealthy environment for unity in a plural society.
Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu said Malays should learn the various trades now dominated by other races and then compete with them to become even better at it.
“Why not learn and open your stores and businesses? For example, we go to Indian stores for spices. For car spare parts and mechanics, it’s the Chinese.
“We should learn these trades and open our own businesses,” Mohamad, who is also the Kota Raja member of parliament, said this at the flagging off of the 13th Merdeka Convoy programme at Kampung Jawa here today.
Mohamad who is also the Defence Minister said this was the practice that should be adopted, instead of boycotting non-Muslim products.
He stressed that Malaysians need to strengthen and enhance unity to shield against race and religious sentiments which are being played up again.
“Each race has its edge, expertise and specialities. Let’s learn from each other and better ourselves.”
He added that programmes such as convoys and runs events should be participated by all races as it builds bonds between races.
A social media campaign which initially kicked-off as a boycott against non-Muslim products has now turned into a Buy Muslim First campaign.
It calls upon Muslims to buy products produced by Muslims as a means of solidarity.
While the proponents of the campaign say it was meant to bolster the economic clout of Muslims, others have said it erodes the unity and causes further division among Malaysians.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had also said he disagreed with the campaign and that such an action was only done and promoted by people with shallow thinking.
The Merdeka Convoy today saw some 100 cars, motorcycles and bicycles adorned with the Malaysian flag traversing around several housing estates and neighbourhoods in Klang.
It was organised by the Zone 3 Rukun Tetangga of Sentosa and Andalas, in conjunction with the 62nd Merdeka celebrations.
Organising chairman Lt (Rtd) T. Kanniappan said the annual convoy was organised to foster a closer relationship between the various races in the area.
“What better occasion for us to get together, put aside our racial backgrounds and celebrate Merdeka simply as Malaysians.”
He said the programme was organised with the support of the National Unity and Integration Department, Klang Rotary Club, JP Klang, Klang Municipal Council, Giant, NSK, McDonald's and the Kota Raja MP office.
It was also attended by Sentosa and Seri Andalas assemblymen, Gunaraj George and Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni.