JOHOR BARU: Any effort to instil the spirit of unity among the multiracial society must begin at primary school, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said this is crucial to foster a strong, united and mutually respectful multiracial generation.
He noted that unity activities should encompass all strata of society, including rural areas, starting from school days.
Consequently, he commended the National Unity Ministry's initiative to strengthen the Rukun Tetangga (RT) for its potential to spread the spirit of unity, which is key to a nation's strength.
"The National Unity Ministry must emphasise and reach out across the entire country, not just major cities. There should be activities that penetrate from the Rukun Tetangga to grassroots levels and at schools.
"In the Cabinet meeting, I stressed to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang that unity programmes must penetrate to the grassroots levels so the spirit of unity is instilled in the people beginning at school.
"Aaron understands the true role of the ministry in instilling patriotism and mutual respect among the various races in this country.
"Previously, people thought the National Unity Ministry was only about culture, singing, dancing, shows and festivals. Thank you to Datuk Aaron and the entire 'Unity Family' for understanding that the task is much greater than that," said Anwar when speaking at the national-level 2024 Unity Week Celebration here on Saturday night.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Aaron and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
When sharing about his recent visits to Qatar, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Japan, Anwar said foreign nations highly respect and honour Malaysia.
He said other countries respect Malaysia not just for its soaring economy but also because of its political stability and unity of its people.
Meanwhile, Anwar suggested that the National Unity Ministry replace the term 'tolerance' with unity towards love and mutual respect among individuals.
He said this is to better reflect a plural society in line with the Malaysia Madani approach.
"I do not want the National Unity Ministry to mention tolerance, but I want the ministry to speak of unity towards love, mutual respect among individuals; this is stronger than the word 'tolerance'.
"In Malaysia Madani, it is not just about sustainability to elevate the nation's status, and the booming economy, but we must explore and embrace new realms of thought and innovation," he said.
