Unite in contributing to Malaysia’s stability and prosperity

AS we commemorate Malaysia Day today, let us all strive to bring Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia closer together in the spirit of regional integration and national unity.

Actually, I believe Malaysia Day should rightly be called Unity Day as its commemoration helps to underscore the significance of regional and ethnic integration as well as unity.

Malaysia Day celebrations should be a unifying force to bring people of diverse races from Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah together for the success of the country.

Sabah and Sarawak are practical and visible examples of unity in diversity where Malaysians of diverse ethnic groups are able to live, learn, work and play together in the spirit of unity and national integration.

I have always believed that being a Malaysian does not make anyone less of a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Punjabi, Kadazan, Iban, etc. Malaysians should start accepting each other as Malaysians regardless of race and religion, and should be proud to identify themselves first as Malaysians, for such identification fosters patriotism and develops unity.

Malaysians of different ethnic origin must always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another. We must always remain vigilant and be conscious of the sensitivities of our respective religions and cultures for the sake of inter-racial harmony.

Unity is a priceless gift and a symbol of our humanity. It is the foundation upon which we build relationships, families, communities, and a nation. It is the bond that seals our nationhood.

Many people are taking unity for granted. This is not a healthy development for a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country like Malaysia. Continuous efforts must be made by all Malaysians to nurture and reinforce unity.

Let us include every Malaysian in the building of unity because we all contribute to the stability and economic prosperity of this country.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Member, Unity Advisory Council