JOHOR BARU: More interaction among the major races is needed to weed out extremism in the country, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Umno vice-president said Malaysia is a multiracial country, and that as such, more effort should be channelled into encouraging the people to reject extremism.
“Extremism and playing up people’s sentiments are not beneficial to anyone,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya gathering organised by the Council of Former Elected Representatives and Barisan Nasional veterans here yesterday.
In his speech, Mohamed Khaled said parties had been formed with the intention of replacing Umno.
He said although specific problems plague the country, some such as climate change and war have affected other countries too.
“Malaysia as a trading nation is definitely affected,” he said, adding that the government is aware of issues such as the rising cost of living and is working towards targeted subsidies to assist those who needed help.
On politics, he said based on the outcome of past elections, no single party would be able to govern the country.
“You can go in alone in elections, but you will need to form coalitions in order to be the ruling government,” he said, adding that such a situation could prevail in future polls as well.
Mohamed Khaled also said Umno would need to work on strategies to attract more voters due to the emergence of new and young voters.
“For example, in Pasir Gudang, we have about 20,000 Umno members while the number of voters is around 200,000.
“With new voters, the figure will increase to some 250,000,” he said, adding that it is important for Umno to attract those who have yet to join any political party.
He added that there are many who have not joined any party but supported initiatives that benefit them.
