Road to unity: A guide for all Malaysians

The National Action Plan for Unity and Integration launched by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin yesterday will be used as a guide for all government agencies in programmes to promote unity and integration. The five-year plan (2006-2010) was approved by the cabinet on May 17 last year, and was aimed at making unity and integration an important national agenda.

"This is a comprehensive plan that will be used as a guide by all agencies in programmes to promote and strengthen national unity and integration," said Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The launching of the action plan further emphasised the call by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong during his installation on the need to remain united to make Malaysia a strong and united nation.

"Respect, tolerance, abiding by the law and willingness to help others irrespective of race and religion has united Malaysians and made the country unique.
"These values need to be further strengthened to instil a greater sense of love for the country that will turn unity into a culture among Malaysians."

Ongkili said that efforts to raise the levels of loyalty, unity and love for the nation must be further enhanced through awareness programmes.

"We have to also look at the changes in our surroundings which are becoming more challenging. We should be grateful for living in a peaceful country."

He added that Malaysians should set aside differences in ideologies, the multi-racial composition in society and multi-religious existence, and individualism.

"These are diversities but it has united us and made us unique. This is a legacy that we want to pass on to the younger generation."

The king later presented Unity Award to three people, namely Tun Dr Muhammad Ghazali Shafie, former Foreign Minister, Tan Sri Peter Lo Su Yin and Datuk Seri Tra Zehnder @ Philomena Tra Jemat. (see accompanying story).

All three were involved in the Cobbold Commission which led to the formation of Malaysia. They were also involved in the drafting of the Rukun Negara and were actively involved in social development to enhance unity and integration.

Source : The New Straits Times