GEORGE TOWN – Political parties must exercise restraint and care when deliberating on issues that could undermine the country’s peace and harmony, said National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique.
As the nation is still grappling with the pandemic, economic recovery and uncertain global outlook, she urged politicians not to up the tempo.
“Whatever political agenda or ambitions one may have, it should not come at the expense of national unity,” she said after signing two memoranda of understanding with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here.
Halimah represented her ministry while USM was represented by its board of governors’ chairman, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin. Also present were Halimah’s deputy, Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, and USM vice-chancellor Prof Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan.
She later said in a press conference that, while deficits in society exist, it should not be exploited by politicians to the extent that it undermines the nation’s ability to heal and unite.
“I also hope politicians do not confuse the people further, while the disruptive attacks on our system (way of life) should be (stopped). We should not undermine our unity for political expediency.”
On a separate matter, Halimah said the rukun tetangga neighbourhood watch (RTK) and community outreach programmes will be rebranded to include women, youth and the elderly so they can be a part of their respective communities.
She added there are 100,000 RTK registered nationwide, of which 5,300 are involved in neighbour security and safety patrols.
“We are happy to note that, on the ground, there is a warm response for RTKs. Many people are keen to participate in them.”
Halimah said the ministry is imposing a quota for RTK activities to encourage participation diversity.
The emphasis on RTK forms part of the revised national unity blueprint, which the ministry plans to unveil as a policy by June, she added. – The Vibes, April 10, 2021
