In an effort to revitalise the ‘essence of Malaysia’, the civil movement Negara-Ku is going on a roadshow to advocate moderation, peace and harmony.

Chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin said that this absolutely necessary in view of the increased propagation of extremist views in recent months by certain quarters.

The movement will head to seven states this month. They are Malacca, Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.

The first roadshow will be held in Malacca tomorrow, at 8pm at Heng Ann Association Malacca.

Speakers include Zaid himself, Parit Buntar MP Mujahid Yusuf Rawa and Lingakaran Islam Tradisional coordinator Al-Mustaqeem M Radui.

Secretary general of the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Stanley Yong Yew Wei, will moderate.

Meanwhile, Zaid said the movement is concerned that Malaysians may no longer recognise the country if nothing is done.

He was commenting on how equality, secularism and guaranteed fundamental rights seemed to be under threat nowadays.

“If we keep idle while insensitive quarters continue propagating racism and intolerance amongst us, it is an indication that hate speech and extremism are acceptable.  It is certainly not and that message must be clearly sent,” he said.

Negara-Ku, whose patrons include national laureate A Samad Said and former Malaysian Bar president Ambiga Sreenevasan, was formed in July.

The movement, a coalition made up of over 60 NGOs, aims to battle racism and extremism in the country.

The movement’s formation had been subject to criticism from right-wing groups such as Perkasa and Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma).