Younger generation must preserve national unity, diversity - Merdeka Quartet
25 Aug 2022 09:24am
Annuar Musa said the multi-racial bond that formed the basis of the nation’s formation must be passed down and emulated by the younger generation. - Bernama Photo
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Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the multi-racial bond that formed the basis of the nation’s formation must be passed down and emulated by the younger generation.
Annuar, who is main organising committee chairman for the 2022 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations, said Malaysia was formed through a multi-racial society that came together to fight for independence.
"The concept of unity is important for Malaysia, even the theme of our National Day this year is ‘Malaysian Family Strong Together’. The Prime Minister chose togetherness (Keluarga Malaysia) as the philosophy of managing the country," he said in the Agenda Awani Merdeka Quartet talk show: Menyantu Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia on Astro Awani tonight.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was also a guest on the programme, said Malaysia achieved independence because there was an understanding between the variuous races, adding that the younger generation should appreciate this important part of history.
"Malaysia's greatest success is that we can unite in diversity. Diversity is a national treasure,” he said.
He said national unity began with a spirit of tolerance, respect and appreciation of other people's cultures by the previous generations.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, meanwhile, said the unity that bonded Malaysian society had always been the country's strength when faced with economic slowdown, health crisis and political issues, adding that through all these, the country was able to rise and overcome the problem of unemployment.
"During the Movement Control Order (MCO) the unemployment rate was 5.3 percent and in 12 months it dropped to 4.3 percent. The country is now trying to achieve an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent,” he said.
Saravanan said that in planning various programmes for the people, the government always ensures that all levels of society from various backgrounds are assisted and that no one was left behind.
Another Merdeka Quartet member, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, talked about the spirit of unity enjoyed by Sarawak’s various ethnicities.
"Sarawak does not look at racial differences (as a problem). If, for instance, the Iban community forms the majority, the other ethnic groups will learn the Iban language.
"If it was Melanau, then they will also learn the Melanau language. In fact, they are proud to be able to master their friend’s language,” he said.
He said in Sarawak, people of different faith assisted one another such as in churches, surau and temples, because differences are celebrated as an asset. - BERNAMA
