Sabah, Sarawak best examples of 1M’sia: Lee

1Malaysia Foundation Trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has praised Sabah and Sarawak for taking the lead in the promotion of 1Malaysia.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 1Malaysia, he said in a statement issued here yesterday.

“I always believe that being a Malaysian does not make anyone less a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban etc.

“Malaysians should start accepting each other regardless of race and religion and should be proud to identify themselves first as Malaysians, for such identification fosters patriotism and develops unity.”

Lee, who is also a social activist, said although ethnic relations in the country were generally satisfactory, “we must certainly not take our inter-racial and inter-religious harmony for granted”.

Malaysians of different ethnic origins must always be conscious of the need to have mutual respect for one another, he pointed out.

“They must always remain vigilant and be conscious of the sensitivities of our respective religions and cultures for the sake of inter-racial harmony.

“The process of establishing a united Malaysian nation is a continuous one, and what has been achieved so far must be nurtured and reinforced.

“All plans for the nation’s economic growth and all corrective measures to address the country’s social imbalances will be meaningful only if they are geared towards national unity.”

Lee said in the days to come, the creation and sustenance of national unity must be given the highest priority for unity is vital to ensure the continued growth of Malaysia as a secure, peaceful, progressive and united nation.

“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.
“Unity must first start with the individual.

If there is unity in a person’s thoughts, emotions and actions, it will be reflected in how they treat others.

“Many people are taking unity for granted.

This is not a healthy development for in a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural 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. We must start speaking with one voice, one that is inclusive of Malaysians of every ethnic background.

“We all contribute to the stability and economic prosperity of his country. Let us all be committed to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity.

“The Rukunegara is our guide for nation-building and should be respected by all. It is a shared vision for national unity. Its principles should always be upheld and practised for we must never take for granted the stability, peace and harmony we have attained so far,” he said.

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