KOTA BELUD: No effort must be spared to promote the spirit of unity and togetherness among East and West Malaysians, especially among the young generation, to ensure the rapid growth as well as foster peace and stability that is prevalent today.
Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Salleh Said Keruak also encouraged Sabahans to proudly acknowledge that they are Malaysians from Sabah to avoid the misconception that Sabah is another country and not a part of Malaysia.
“We cannot run away from the fact that we are Malaysians although we fiercely call ourselves Sabahans, which I myself am proud to declare,” he made the remarks when officiating the State-level Unity Week celebration in conjunction with Malaysia Day at Padang Pekan Kota Belud.
“However we must all look at the bigger picture and be proud of the Nation. Both August 31 and September 16 are important and significant dates for all Malaysians, irrespective of whether we are from Sabah, Kedah or Terengganu.”
Touching on unity, he said Malaysians from diverse races and ethnic groups had all this while lived in peace and harmony, something which people from other countries have marveled at.
Salleh said history books in the Malaysian school curriculum for upper secondary students must also contain accurate sections on Sabah and Sarawak, thus giving the young an opportunity to know more about the part of Malaysia across the South China Sea.
Salleh added the national media could play a major role in promoting integration by dedicating one or two pages for news of Sabah, so that other Malaysians especially those in peninsular and Sarawak could know what is going on.
“The national media, both newspapers and television, does highlight east Malaysian news, but it comes out in their regional editions; as such readers in Penang for example, may not know what is going on in Sabah,” he said.
“It is also quite common to read that Malaysians comprise of Malays, Chinese and Indians, but conveniently left out are the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak, like the Kadazandusun as well as the Dayak or Ibans.”
Salleh who is also Kota Belud UMNO chief said television stations could highlight special segments on the people, culture and traditions of Sabah while successful businesses could be featured as well.
However he noted that with low cost airlines flying to several destinations in Sabah, more Malaysians from the peninsular was now visiting the State and this helped give them get a deeper understanding of the people and life here.
He also agreed that the remarks made by the Prime Minister that diversity in the country’s socio-culture is the country’s main asset and must be preserved and expanded under the 1 Malaysia concept.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his Malaysia Day message had reminded all Malaysians to continue to strongly protect the success in uniting the people of various races, religions and cultures.
Kita semua mesti melihat gambaran yang lebih besar dan berbangga dengan Bangsa yang ada pada kita. Kedua-dua 31 Ogos dan September 16 adalah penting dan signifikan tarikh untuk semua rakyat Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteBetul tu..jangan pula politikkan isu kedua2 tarikh penting ni untuk keuntungan sendiri.
Deletekita harus sambut dah ingati kedua tarikh pentung ini.
DeleteSebagai rakyat Malaysia diingatkan untuk terus kuat melindungi kejayaan dalam menyatukan rakyat pelbagai kaum, agama dan budaya yang kita kecapi sekarang ini..
ReplyDeletekita harus jaga keharmonian. salinglah menghormati.
Deletelets promote racial and religious tolerance amongst our community.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” - Mother Teresa
Deleteberkenaan dengan unity, dikalangan pembangkang sendiri tidak wujud unity.. tidak heran la jika mereka mengajar rakyat untuk tidak bersatu dengan menanamkan sikap kenegerian..
ReplyDeletelihat saja bagaimana blogger pakatan rakyat menghina budaya kaum di negeri sabah.. sebelum ini juga presiden PAS pernah menghina kaum asli di sarawak.. agaknya, inilah budaya mereka..
ReplyDeleteUnity and harmony prevails in Sabah because it has been the way of life for the people in the state.
ReplyDeleteFederation of Hokkien Association of Sabah and Labuan president Datuk t.C. Goh says continued support from the state government speaks volumes of Musa’s efforts in strenghtening unity in the state.
ReplyDeleteGrants allocated to the Chinese community for education, culture, religious bodies, sports and welfare have been consistent and reflective of the government’s stance on how important unity is to the people, state and country
ReplyDeleteThe unity and strong government leadership have led to the unprecedented development of Sabah and its economy.
ReplyDeleteSince Musa took office, the state government has disbursed some RM30 million yearly to over 500 organisations, comprising independent Chinese and mission schools, Buddhist and Sikh temples and churches in the state.
ReplyDeletethe recipients are 283 government schools, which received RM95.9 million; 70 Chinese schools (R M10.8 million); 74 mission schools (RM3.7 million); and, two government-aided religious schools (RM1.5 million).
ReplyDeletethe Federal Government, meanwhile, has allocated RM112 million for 429 government schools, mission schools, Chinese schools and government-aided religious schools in Sabah under a special stimulus package this year.
ReplyDeleteThe funds are part of the RM900 million stimulus package for schools nationwide.
ReplyDeleteOf these, RM500 million is for government schools while the rest was for Chinese, tamil, mission and government-aided religious schools.
ReplyDelete1Malaysia Foundation trustee tan Sri Lee Lam thye recently spoke of Sabah as a practical and visible example of unity in diversity.
ReplyDelete1Malaysia Foundation trustee tan Sri Lee Lam thye recently spoke of Sabah as a practical and visible example of unity in diversity.
ReplyDeletePeople of diverse ethnic groups are able to live, learn, work and play together in the spirit of 1Malaysia in Sabah. this scenario has long existed in the state. However, continuous efforts must be made by all to strengthen racial harmony and religious tolerance at every level of our society.
ReplyDeleteIn the days ahead, the creation and sustenance of national unity must be given the highest priority for unity is vital to ensure the continued growth of Malaysia as a secure, peaceful, progressive and united nation.
ReplyDelete