Bury the hatchet to strengthen ties among races - Abdullah Badawi

Former prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes that all parties bury the hatchet to strengthen relationship among the races in the country, especially during the Aidilfitri celebration.

"We must hope so. Do not fight as Hari Raya is a good day to strengthen brotherhood," he told reporters after attending the Aidilfitri open house of the prime minister and cabinet members at Seri Perdana, here, today.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said that fostering unity among the people was important to the government to further strengthen the economy at the same time to develop the country with greater success in the future.

"Do not let the solidarity we have build crack and crumble not to mention the national vision to see a developed nation by 2020.

"The key to strength is dependent on peace, harmony and solidarity. Grab the opportunity during Aidilfitri and the open house to continue to demonstrate and develop our solidarity, strength and harmony together," he said.

Deputy Home minister, Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar hopes this year's Aidilfitri celebrations can strengthen unity among the people to ensure the country's security is maintained.

He said this was to prevent provocative incidents, such as the one at Low Yat Plaza last Sunday, did not recur.

"If a situation occurs like the one in Low Yat Plaza, we see no winners, everyone loses. Traders are unable to do business and people will become anxious and worried," he said.

Communication and Multimedia Deputy Minister, Datuk Jailani Johari also said solidarity among races should be preserved as a country composed of a plural society.

"We are able to live together, celebrate Aidilfitri in peace, calm and without any issues," he said.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysians should focus on preserving unity and harmony in the country and described the Low Yat incident as having showed that racism existed in this country.

"We have to make sure that this kind of issues do not recur. Let us work together as a team to build a race and this nation. It is the strength of our country," he said.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said that despite all the challenges that the country was facing currently, Malaysians would continue to support the government in maintaining peace and unity.

"Looking at the crowd that thronged the open house today, it clearly proves that the people still have strong faith and believe that the government will continue to strive towards the betterment of its society.

"This also portrays that no matter whatever one's race, when it comes to a festive season like this, people join hands and are united as one regardless of race and religion," added Subramaniam.

Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni said this proved that more people including locals and foreigners were excited to greet the prime minister and the other ministers at the open house.

He also believes that the future of Malaysia is reliant and dependent on all the races living in harmony.

In saying that, he noted that the purchasing power came from every race in the country.

"If we are only to choose a certain race to contribute to the purchasing power, then it will be a hindrance to the economical growth of the country," he said.