Time to eliminate 'race' column in forms - Joseph Kurup

After 50 years since the formation of Malaysia, it is high time that we abolish the 'race' column in all forms in the country, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

"After 50 years since the formation of Malaysia, sadly we are still separated by race and religious identity.

"Maybe it's time to eliminate the need to name our race in any form in this country," said Kurup during the opening ceremony of the Unity Dialogue at Auditorium Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), here on Saturday.

He said the 'Unity Dialogue' is the best platform to get your ideas, opinions and suggestions from the grassroots community concerning issues of national unity and integration.

Kurup said the dialogue, themed 'Voice of the Grassroots' can be the unity bridge that strengthens harmony towards national unity in the country.

He also said that the Unity Dialogue gives the level of understanding and goodwill between the people who practice it and explore how far it reaches its objective towards building a united Malaysia with a national identity.

"In addition, Unity Dialogue will also indirectly expand the knowledge of NUCC members on issues and challenges in strengthening national unity and integration as required by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak," he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Consultation Council of National Unity (MKPN), Tan Sri Shamsuddin Osman, in his welcoming speech said the Unity Dialogue can provide opportunities for grassroots to express their views on issues regarding the strengthening of national unity.

Unity Dialogue: Voices of Grassroots organised by MKPN and the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) will be held in 18 locations all over Malaysia.