MP : All issues on ethnicity, religion can be resolved

Written by Writer on Monday, October 13th, 2008

MP : All issues on ethnicity, religion can be resolved

Daily Express - Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu: Recent problems involving unity among Malaysians were due to discussion on ethnicity and religion being carried out openly.

Labuan MP Datuk Yussof Mahal said although the open talks were well intended some Malaysians were not ready to accept openness totally.

“There were some problems recently in the country which had affected the harmony of the people,” he said, in a statement here, Saturday.

“If there were any issues or problems, everyone should stay calm and patient so that rational and mature action can be taken.”

He believed all issues on ethnicity and religion could be resolved if people were willing to sit down together, hold dialogues and discuss, understand and analyse the problems, and be rational when looking for solutions.

Towards this end, Yussof said Aidilfitri should be used as a platform to foster and strengthen unity.

“Hari Raya Aidilfitri is an opportunity for the Muslim community in particular to forgive one another and strengthen ties,” he said after hosting a Raya Open House for government heads and community leaders at his residence at Taman Rancha-Rancha, Labuan, Friday.

“Do not let yourselves be overcome by emotions because that will cause us to overreact or do something that we may regret.”

He pointed out that it would be difficult to rebuild unity and, therefore, it was important for people, regardless of any race, to preserve harmony.

Yussof also said the country belongs to all Malaysians and no one has been given a higher status than another.

“The Government realised that the people were not happy with the current political scenario as it brought a negative impact to them and the country.

“I want to stress that the Government is committed towards the responsibility and the mandate which had been given by the people,” he said.