PETALING JAYA: Chambers of commerce in Malaysia are calling for a stop to acts of racial provocation, saying that harmonious relations are essential to economic stability.
Racial harmony is not merely a social value but a fundamental pillar of the nation’s economic stability, said Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia president Norsyahrin Hamidon.
“The business environment depends heavily on social stability and investor confidence, which can only thrive in a peaceful country where citizens live with mutual respect.
“Malaysia derives its strength from the harmonious coexistence of its diverse communities.
“When certain parties choose to play with fire by stoking racial and religious sentiments, acting as batu ronson (instigators), they damage social cohesion and put the nation’s economic future at risk.
“Investors view social stability as the foundation of confidence. If the country is perceived as unstable due to the manipulation of racial and religious sentiments, it is not only society that suffers, but also economic opportunities and national development,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Malaysian Indian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Abdul Hamid PV Abdu said the community would not be swayed by attempts of certain people to divide society for political gain.
He stressed that the majority of Indians wanted national stability, better economic opportunities and harmonious relations among all races in Malaysia.
“The country’s economic condition remains strong and resilient. In fact, our financial performance is among the strongest in South-East Asia and one of the most stable in Asia.
“This reflects that the nation is on the right track, but there are those who are envious and uncomfortable with the government’s success today,” he said.
