KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are urged to avoid feuding over racial and religious issues so that the country’s peace and stability can be safeguarded.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said that the harmony that Malaysia has enjoyed since the end of the Communist Insurgency could easily be jeopardised by such feuds.
He said that conflicts, once sparked, are not easy to douse and would have adverse impacts on the country’s security and economic development.
“Do not get caught up in clashes. We must not seek new feuds (involving religion and race) that may go overboard.
“Differences (in opinion) require negotiation and dialogue. Do not let it get to the physical level.
“Lighting the fire of war is easy, but putting it out is not,” he said.
Mohamad said this in his speech at the 52nd Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) Convocation ceremony here, today.
Also present were Deputy Defence Minister Liew Chin Tong, and Malaysian Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.
Mohamad, who is popularly known as Mat Sabu, stressed that peace and harmony are important in order to attract foreign investment that would lead to economic growth and prosperity for the people.
He pointed out that protracted conflicts in Middle Eastern nations like Syria and Iraq have adversely impacted their economies and societies.
“Once a nation is in chaos, who wants to invest there?
“(Look at) Somalia, Libya, Iraq and Syria. In order to heal their economy, peace must be restored first,” he said.
On a separate matter, Mohamad, reading out a speech by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, said that the government strongly encourages Perhebat and the private sector to collaborate on the ‘Train and Place’ programme designed for army veterans.
He said that such an initiative would help employers monitor the performance of ex-servicemen and their children, which in turn would motivate them to compete for job opportunities.
Mohamad said that a second initiative is ‘On-Job Training’, which affords industrial training for military veterans and internships for their children.
“This is the best platform for private companies to help the government today. In fact, it is (a token) of appreciation for the sacrifice put in by soldiers.
“Let us together develop a high-income country and reclaim Malaysia’s status as an Asian Tiger.
“Now, (Malaysia) is a Tiger – but without teeth,” he said to laughter from the audience of graduates and their parents.
He added that these are all part of efforts to fully repay military veterans for their efforts and sacrifice for the country.
