What it is vital for us with a nation of 214 tribes. The land, in fact, to be claimed by is the Orang Asli, byt how long they have being ingored and marginalised?
The Star Online > Focus
Monday October 2, 2006
Stop fanning the fire of racism and religion
IT IS very worrisome that with 49 years of independence behind us and only 14 years to reaching developed nation status, we are still brokering along racial and religious divides.
Politicians in particular must take the larger portion of this blame. While the frontline leadership keeps pushing for harmony, the disciples of these leaders keep ploughing and sowing seeds of hatred soaked in race, colour and beliefs.
Worse, we only seem to talk as if there are only three races in the country. Why are we marginalizing and almost making non-existent the citizens of the various minority groups in Malaysia?
We cannot pull wool over the eyes of the world parading our so-called model state of tolerant multiracial society, when on the home ground politicians continue to fan the fires of racism and religious biases.
Please, all religious heads, step forward to facilitate a unified acceptance of each other’s beliefs.
If this nation is serious about its Wawasan, we must start thinking, feeling and acting like Malaysians – not Malays, Chinese or Indians.
Take a “Continuing Learning” trip to any of our neighbouring countries and you will be overwhelmed by the fact that despite their numerous tribal origins, they do not see each other according to racial or religious affiliations.
Unless and until we are humble enough to accept this fact, we will only be heading towards irreparable disaster.
Let us not lose what has been built these past over 400 years. There is only one land, one nation, one economy. Either we share, partake and preserve it for posterity or lose it forever. And we do not need laws and enforcements to achieve this. We need true passion and a sincere heart.
J.D. LOVRENCIEAR,Semenyih.
© 1995-2005 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
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