Be thankful for peace, harmony in Malaysia - Paul Low

Malaysians should be thankful for being able to live in peace, harmony and free from war, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan.

He said the peace and harmony enjoyed despite of the religious and cultural differences in this country could only be achieved from the pillars of social justice, respect and hope for a better future.

"Unlike in certain nations, we can see the devastation in human lives and the breakdown of the nationhood. For this people, peace is just like an illusion and there is no lasting resolution in sight," he told reporters after flagging-off the "Run For Peace 2015', at Stadium MBPJ, here today.

However he said, Malaysians could not take these matters for granted as it was obvious that the element of hatred and disunity were spreading among the people particularly in the peninsula.

Giving example of Bersih 4 and 'Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu' rallies, he said both were not done in a proper way and it distrupted the nation's peace and harmony.

"In terms of yellow shirt (Bersih 4) I have no problem with it, but apart from demonstrating about economy, justice, and fair election, they were asking the Prime Minister to resign. So this is a problem because they must know that the prime minister is elected through the general election.

"As for the red shirt rally (Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu), even though it was a legal assembly, there were irresponsible people who created racism through their speeches and posters," he said.

Therefore, Low said leaders in demonstrations or assemblies must not lead with selfishness element such as religious bigotry and ethnic intolerance.

The 'Run For Peace 2015' organised by Soka Gakkai Malaysia, an organisation for peace efforts, was participated by 20,000 people and it was aimed at inspiring people for peace in the community.

The 8-kilometer run also gathered another 70,000 people at 19 locations nationwide including Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak, which was held since Sept 6 until today without any medal or category involved.