KUALA LUMPUR: The importance of the Rukun Negara must always be cherished as it is a guide for nation-building and should be respected by all, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The 1Malaysia Foundation Trustee said the Rukun Negara is a shared vision for national unity.
"Its principle should always be upheld and practised for we must never take for granted the stability, peace and harmony we have attained so far.
"Malaysians of different ethnic origin must always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Aug 2).
Lee said all Malaysians must always remain vigilant and be conscious of the sensitivities of everyone's respective religions and cultures for the sake of inter-racial harmony.
"All Malaysians must adopt and practise the principle of moderation which is the key to nation-building," he added.
The most urgent task of all Malaysians irrespective of race, religion and political affiliation, according to Lee, is to ensure racial and religious harmony and reject all forms of extremism which can undermine inter-racial and inter-religious peace and harmony.
"This is the time for all level-headed patriotic Malaysians to stand up and be counted in furthering the cause of a united Malaysian Nation based on the five principles of the Rukun Negara.
"This is not the time for anyone to make incendiary statements which are provocative and can lead to conflict and tension with serious consequences affecting peace, harmony and national unity," he said.
As responsible and patriotic Malaysians, Lee said it is a profound duty to work for peace and harmony and refrain from acts of provocation and violence which will result in conflict and chaos.
"1Malaysia Foundation has spoken loud and clear that what Malaysia needs today are not ethnic heroes but sincere ethnic bridge builders and peace ambassador’s who can help foster goodwill, mutual respect, peace and harmony.
"The time has come for us to identify more ethnic bridge-builders and emphasise on their crucial role, at this juncture, to break down the serious racial divide in the larger interest of improving ethnic relations in our country," he said.
Lee added that multiracial living and community are part of all Malaysians' history and heritage.
"They have become a key source of racial integration for years and have certainly played a part in making Malaysia a harmonious place to live, learn, work and play," he said.
