SERDANG: While one cannot deny the importance of one's race, it should not be used to belittle or insult others, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This was among the Prime Minister's messages to Malaysians as the nation's diverse community prepares to celebrate the 68th National Day this Sunday.
"In whatever I speak, I will always be Malay. I am proud of my Malay language, proud of the greatness and grandeur of Malay culture, and proud of renowned Malay laureates such as Raja Ali Haji, Za'ba (Tan Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad), Ungku Aziz, and Naquib Al-Atas,” said Anwar.
“However, it is unreasonable for such pride to belittle, erase, or insult other races. That is why this is not a zero-sum game where to extol the greatness of the Malays, we insult others,” he added.
Anwar then said that likewise, there are those in the Chinese community who speak of the greatness and grandeur of Chinese civilisation spanning several thousand years.
He said this during his National Day Address at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (Maeps) on Saturday (August 30).
Anwar then added that such pride also exists among the Indians and indigenous peoples of Sarawak and Sabah.
On unity, Anwar said that such a nationalistic spirit did not exist before Independence, even among Malays living in different states.
"There was unity only when a nationalistic spirit tied us all together. This is the same spirit that binds the Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan, Murut, Bidayuh, and strengthens us all as Malaysians,” said Anwar.
“We need to work hard to take care of each other's feelings and sentiments," he added.
He also warned against obsession with a particular language or religious extremism, which has caused the downfall of certain nations.
