Don't Take Racial Unity For Granted

1. As Malaysians of Chinese origin celebrate the lunar New Year of the Tiger, it is appropriate for them to ponder and reflect on the past achievement toward nation building and prepare themselves to face the multifarious challenges that lie ahead.As part of the Malaysian community,Malaysian Chinese should take pride in the fact that they have made many contributions since the time of independence to help develop together with their fellow Malaysians,Malaysia into what it is today.
2. The Chinese New Year,just like other Malaysian festivities, should not only be celebrated by the Malaysian Chinese.On the contrary,through the concept of open houses, other race should join in the celebration in the spirit of 1Malaysia.
3. The intermingling of various races during festivities helps to reinforce goodwill, unity and racial harmony in this multiracial country of ours. This is vitally important as it forms the basis for building national unity.
4. I wish to remind all malaysians that racial harmony and unity must never be taken for granted as shown by recent events affecting religious harmony.We have to ensure that the country's unity, painstakingly built and carefully nurtured over over the yaers and which remains one of our conerstones, is not threatened by any quater.
5. To realise this, Malaysians of all races must be totally commited to the need to give and take in a multi-racial community..
6. The fact that all Malaysians are able to live in peace and harmony, so elusieve in other troubled lands, bear testimony to our willingness to co-exist with one another.
7. There for, let it be the resolution of all Malaysians to work tiressly to preserve, protect and promote our peace and harmony.
8. TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Trustee of 1Malaysia Foundation.
9. VIEWS The Star, Wednesday 17 feb.2010.