Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup called on Malaysians to stop bickering at each others' differences.
Instead, he urged for all Malaysians to use diversity as strength to create a more united Malaysia.
“Lets us stop saying to one another – I am right and you are wrong. Instead, say to each other – let’s work together to iron out our differences for the sake of unity,” said Joseph at the #saysomethingnice 2014 campaign launch in Tropicana City Mall, Tuesday.
“It is alright to have differences but don’t let differences divide us. Let it, instead, be the strength that moves us forward.
“As Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia's first Prime Minister) said everyone must respect each other’s rights and religion and be tolerant of each other’s customs and habits,” he added.
The minister in charge of national unity also called on the voices of moderation to be more prominent following racial and religious sentiments making headlines in the country.
“It saddens me that racial and religious bigotries are taking centrestage in the media. It has gotten worse. Do not let the present situation to be the future of our country. We need to bring forward the voices of the moderate. Moderation has always been in the DNA of Malaysia. As a country in ASEAN, we have always been moderate and inclusive.
“I hope the values in #saysomethingnice can be practiced and made into a culture of our own,” said the minister in reference to the feel-good campaign aimed at encouraging Malaysians to spread positivity and do good deeds from the 31st August till 16th September, in conjunction with both Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day.
How to foster unity?
Astro Awani met with Malaysians to ask their opinions on the best ways to cultivate a sense of unity.
Phang Sow Yoong, who grew up during the Merdeka period, said children of different races used to mix together – something that is lacking in the present day.
“Look at the situation nowadays, children don’t have friends from other races. One of the very important things to teach our children is how to live together.
“I hope we can have a channel to teach children to appreciate our different cultures. Our strength is in our diversity. If we can combine all these strength together, we will have a strong nation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Soo Pin Sin feels there is a need to create an environment that will spur children of different races to mingle.
“We need to create more opportunity for our children to play, live, and study together so that we can appreciate each other better and learn to love each other's culture. I think unity can be achieved if we learn more about each other.”
A monk New Zealand attending the event, Nanadhaya Bhikkhu, called on Malaysians to focus on the positivity of the country.
“I’ve got a Facebook account and often I see Malaysians being negative and they write about how the world is going to view them especially in light with the two Malaysian Airlines disaster. The world is not laughing at you; the world is with you on these things.
I have travelled the world and overwhelmed by the friendliness of the Malaysian people. I felt nothing but a warm welcome ever since I step foot in this country and I’d just like to say - keep it up Malaysia, you are doing a wonderful job,” said Bhikkhu.
Cynthia Ng
Wed Aug 27 2014
Dont let our differences divide us, Joseph Kurup - File Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.