Don't let our differences divide us - Joseph Kurup

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup called on Malaysians to stop bickering at each others' differences.

Instead, he urged for all Malaysians to use diversity as strength to create a more united Malaysia.

“Lets us stop saying to one another – I am right and you are wrong. Instead, say to each other – let’s work together to iron out our differences for the sake of unity,” said Joseph at the #saysomethingnice 2014 campaign launch in Tropicana City Mall, Tuesday.

“It is alright to have differences but don’t let differences divide us. Let it, instead, be the strength that moves us forward.

“As Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia's first Prime Minister) said everyone must respect each other’s rights and religion and be tolerant of each other’s customs and habits,” he added.

The minister in charge of national unity also called on the voices of moderation to be more prominent following racial and religious sentiments making headlines in the country.

“It saddens me that racial and religious bigotries are taking centrestage in the media. It has gotten worse. Do not let the present situation to be the future of our country. We need to bring forward the voices of the moderate. Moderation has always been in the DNA of Malaysia. As a country in ASEAN, we have always been moderate and inclusive.

“I hope the values in #saysomethingnice can be practiced and made into a culture of our own,” said the minister in reference to the feel-good campaign aimed at encouraging Malaysians to spread positivity and do good deeds from the 31st August till 16th September, in conjunction with both Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day.

How to foster unity?

Astro Awani met with Malaysians to ask their opinions on the best ways to cultivate a sense of unity.

Phang Sow Yoong, who grew up during the Merdeka period, said children of different races used to mix together – something that is lacking in the present day.

“Look at the situation nowadays, children don’t have friends from other races. One of the very important things to teach our children is how to live together.

“I hope we can have a channel to teach children to appreciate our different cultures. Our strength is in our diversity. If we can combine all these strength together, we will have a strong nation,” she said.

Meanwhile, Soo Pin Sin feels there is a need to create an environment that will spur children of different races to mingle.

“We need to create more opportunity for our children to play, live, and study together so that we can appreciate each other better and learn to love each other's culture. I think unity can be achieved if we learn more about each other.”

A monk New Zealand attending the event, Nanadhaya Bhikkhu, called on Malaysians to focus on the positivity of the country.

“I’ve got a Facebook account and often I see Malaysians being negative and they write about how the world is going to view them especially in light with the two Malaysian Airlines disaster. The world is not laughing at you; the world is with you on these things.

I have travelled the world and overwhelmed by the friendliness of the Malaysian people. I felt nothing but a warm welcome ever since I step foot in this country and I’d just like to say - keep it up Malaysia, you are doing a wonderful job,” said Bhikkhu.