KUALA LUMPUR: There is no need to question the loyalty and love of Malaysians to the nation, said former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.
In a Facebook post, she stated that the country has been independent from colonialists for 67 years and has been a united Malaysia for over 60 years.
"…and its citizens are Malaysians. Perhaps it is time that we truly gel together in solidarity as united Malaysians and respecting and accepting all the diversities amongst us.
"Those diversities are a given, hence the reason why our motto is 'Bersatu Bertambah Mutu,'" she said.
She mentioned that lately there have been views put forth on who Malaysians are, from the perspectives of certain quarters, and to be sure, some of those views have sparked ongoing debates.
She added that many Malaysians, in their various efforts and endeavors, have made the country proud.
"Carrying the Malaysian flag high, in their various successes and accomplishments, whether in Malaysia or abroad, they make Malaysia proud.
"They did it all as Malaysians, and some with no government financial support. Still, they remain Malaysians," she said.
Rafidah added that Vision 2020 envisaged a united Bangsa Malaysia of diverse racial and hereditary origins.
"It is already 2024. Let us all continue to respect our diversity and accept it wholeheartedly.
"Let us all be united and continue to build a stronger, competitive, and well-respected Malaysia… and not allow elements of politics to cause fractiousness and divisiveness among us; Warga Malaysia."
Rafidah's comments come two days after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysian Indians and Chinese are not completely loyal to the country as they still want to identify themselves with their respective countries of origin.
He had made the comments during an interview with a Chennai-based Indian satellite television channel Thanthi TV, which was uploaded to Thanthi TV's YouTube channel on Jan 11.