People must remain united despite political differences - Salleh

The people must remain united and maintain the prevailing harmony despite differences in views and political affiliation, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

He said it would not be beneficial to the people if they fought among themselves merely because they did not agree each other''s political views.

"Don't let us split because of political differences, instead we must continue to strengthen our ties as discord or misunderstanding (in politics) cannot solve any problems.

"Politics is not 24 hours. Not everyday politics. When it is election, then we will determine our choice," he said when officiating the Kuala Abai Carnival in Kampung Kuala Abai, near here today.

Salleh said every leader should also make the political party as a platform to unite the people and not to champion for personal interests.

According to him, politics is a means to provide the best service to the people and leaders must use the arena for welfare purposes, thus ensuring the well-being of the people.

He said every leader should not be too emotional because many matters could not be completed if they acted according to their feelings and joined a new party that would not necessarily give any guarantees.

"Politics is not for us (leaders) but for the future of the people, especially the younger generation," he said.

On the carnival, Salleh said it is a channel to further enhance ties among the people in the village and strengthen cooperation between them.

He hoped the such programmes could continue and become an annual event with diversified activities that would attract tourists to the village and provide economic spin-offs to the residents.

At the event, Salleh also approved an allocation of RM160,000 to upgrade the village surau.

-- BERNAMA