Don’t be swayed by politicians playing race card: PM

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has warned the people against being manipulated by racial and religious sentiment by politicians in the country.

Admitting that it is the biggest challenge in almost all multiracial countries, Muhyiddin said the people should avoid political actors who try to raise their political clout by exploiting racial sentiments.

“We realise that the people in this country will never sacrifice the social cohesion and national unity that we have achieved for the sake of personal goals.

“The government will never compromise on matters that could disrupt national unity,” he said during the launch of the National Unity Policy and Blueprint 2021-2030 via a Facebook Live broadcast this morning.

He said the formulation of the National Unity Policy is based on the federal constitution and Rukun Negara.

“The policy has been drafted in line with other main policies of the country, such as the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and five-year Malaysia Plans.”

He said the policy, with a “Unity in Diversity” concept, has set a long-term strategy that outlines continuous efforts to foster, strengthen and preserve unity among the people.

Its three core objectives include:

- Strengthening unity and national integration based on the federal constitution and Rukun Negara.

- Forming a national identity with a sense of identity, patriotism, caring, tolerance, mutual respect and responsibility.

- To produce Malaysians who appreciate and practice unity.

To ensure that these objectives are achieved, the prime minister said it is vital to secure solid support and full cooperation from all parties – especially the driving agents of unity, which consist of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private parties and related stakeholders.

“I would like to emphasise that this National Unity Policy is our policy, together.

“We are all agents of national unity who will bring this aspiration forward. Let us move all our strength and power to continue to spread the spirit of unity in the current challenging situation.”

The National Unity Policy and Blueprint 2021-2030 – a first initiative that was developed by the National Unity Ministry – is an umbrella policy that contains continuous efforts to nurture, strengthen and preserve unity among the people.

The policy was approved in the cabinet meeting on January 20, with input from government agencies, NGOs, academicians, unity experts and grassroots unity machinery, such as the Rukun Tetangga and Rukun Negara secretariat.

The policy document can be found on the ministry’s website.– The Vibes, February 15, 2021