KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry’s ongoing "Cakap Baik-Baik” (Speak Nicely) campaign is not just about courtesy, but about safeguarding national harmony, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman, who fully supports and welcomes the campaign, said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 17) that unity was not built overnight but nurtured through daily habits, including the simple act of choosing kind and respectful words.
"The campaign seeks to encourage positive communication online and build a culture of understanding, tolerance and respect among Malaysians.
"In today’s digital era, words carry immense power.
"The way we express ourselves, whether face to face or on social media, can either strengthen harmony or sow division.
"Encouraging Malaysians to communicate respectfully is crucial to preserving our multiracial, multi-religious unity," he said.
Lee said several steps need to be taken to sustain and strengthen this campaign through education and awareness. "Schools, universities, workplaces and community groups should incorporate communication ethics and digital civility into their programmes.
"This ensures that future generations grow up valuing respectful dialogue.
"A partnership with civil societies and the media, as well as non-governmental organisations and community leaders, can play an active role in amplifying the campaign’s message and showing by example that constructive discussions are possible even when opinions differ," he said.
Lee said there needs to be positive role models in the form of public figures, influencers and policymakers, to lead by example, demonstrating respectful communication in both their public statements and online presence.
He then suggested sustained public engagement as the campaign must go beyond slogans.
"Regular forums, workshops, competitions and creative digital content should be organised to keep the message fresh and relevant.
"We need to encourage digital responsibility where social media platforms and tech companies should be engaged to promote positive content, counter harmful narratives and encourage safe spaces for online discourse," he said.
Lee urged all Malaysians to support and practice this initiative in their everyday lives, making respectful communication the foundation of a cohesive, united and peaceful nation.
