Speaking during the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (PCCCI) Chinese New Year celebration in Ipoh recently, our Prime Minister reminded the public to remain focused on boosting the national economy and not to be distracted by issues arising in this multi-racial and multi-religious country.
A very timely reminder. We must ALL (the ordinary rakyat, the leaders and parliamentarians alike) remain focused on boosting our national economy. I think the ordinary wage-earners, entrepreneurs and business owners understand that very well. We want peace and stability so that our nation as a whole can progress economically and socially as a multicultural nation.
However, a minority in our midst seems to be incapable of understanding the dynamics of achieving progress in our nation. Every small thing becomes an irritant that stirs up dissensions resulting in embarrassing actions. The issues of ‘right dressing’ or ‘right behaviour’ have been highlighted time and again. Then there is the issue of halal food and alcoholic drinks.
All these were never a problem decades ago when Malaysia gained her independence. Malaysians of different colour or creed happily gather to celebrate the different festivals, eating and drinking together. Those who do not consume alcohol just do not buy alcoholic drinks. Those who do not smoke simply do not buy cigarettes. Those who do not gamble do not even go to Magnum or Sports Toto outlets. Our people then had the freedom to make their own choices of dressing or way of living that they are comfortable with.
What went wrong along the way that caused our nation to be in such a state? Why are we becoming intolerant about so many things? Why has our focus shifted from understanding and tolerance to finding fault at one another? Is it due to our own insecurity as a people that we choose to find fault with others? Or is it due to poor law enforcement that those who are tearing the fabric of unity in Malaysia are never corrected or educated to be more responsible in their words and deeds? Let us be very aware of divisive distractions that are pulling our unity apart.
All our leaders must lead in integrity and put Malaysia first in all things that they do. It cannot be ‘do as I say…not what I do’.
May God bless Malaysia with courage, integrity and unity.
Mei Wong is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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