KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Family slogan could be realised in many ways, and the Covid-19 pandemic has seen people from all walks of life banding together to help those in need, said Malaysia Unity Foundation trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
"The "Malaysian Family" expounded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in his maiden speech has a nice ring to it. It means prioritising Malaysian values, unity and wellbeing.
"The people must support the call if it serves to give meaning and purpose to treating each and every one as belonging to one Malaysian family," said Lee in a statement today.
He however raised questions on the previous unity slogans coined by political leaders before and after each general election, among others, the much-touted catch phrases like '1Malaysia', and 'Malaysia Bersatu'.
However, instead of coming together, Lee said Malaysians were seem to have been pulled apart.
"When will we ever learn not to pay lip service to unity? We don't just need slogans. We need to realise them through action."
Lee said a lot would depend on how the "Malaysian Family" concept from the prime minister can be transformed into action in terms of implementing nation-building policies to unite the people and strengthen inter-racial harmony.
He said Malaysians have come together to help each other during the Covid-19 pandemic, responding to calls for food and other relief for the needy, regardless of races and religions, as well as compassionate frontline doctors, nurses and medical staff of all races have been showing in their care of patients in hospitals.
"That is the spirit we grew up with, and that is the spirit we now need to revive as a national trait.
"Discord is created by those who benefit by divide and rule. Beware of such charlatans."
In this regard, he said the National Unity Ministry needed support from all stakeholders, including the non-governmental organisations, in implementing its unity action plan, which is being drawn up.
The spirit of unity could be shown in so many ways like through sports, international competitions, business ventures, promoting political bipartisanship and having mixed race constituencies, he said.
He also called for the recruitment process for jobs in the civil service to be fairer to minorities.
"Let's replace divisive policies with inclusive action that prioritise the needy in all strata of society. Let's see how the new administration is going to meet these expectations.
"Let's work together to ensure that the Prime Minister's aspiration of a "Malaysian Family" does not come apart at the seams but becomes a reality as we commemorate the 64th year of our glorious independence on Aug 31," he added.
