COMMENT I have just viewed the Umno supreme council member Ismail Sabri news clip ‘Unite so we don't lose PM post to non-Malays’ on KiniTv, and feel inclined to comment on it.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has been emphasising on inclusiveness, moderation and unity (eg the 1Malaysia concept) but somehow there are always some people adding salt to the wound.

It is also commendable on PM Najib's recent Wesak Day message in relation to tolerance and acceptance of the role and contributions of the Buddhist believers in Malaysia, but recent remarks by Ismail Sabri have again caused a negative perception of racial and communal division among us.

It is reported that Ismail urged Malay unity so that non-Malays do not become the prime minister, in his recent speech at Persidangan Ayahanda Se Malaysia 2016 two days ago.

On the one hand, Najib wants to become the PM for all Malaysians regardless of race and religion, but on the other, quite often we hear people surrounding him preach racism, bigotry and extremism.

If we can have an Indian or a Kadazan, or a Sikh, or a Dusun, or a Chinese PM who is capable of leading the country forward in the best interest of all races, what is wrong with that?

Unfortunately, leaders like Ismail Sabri are still blinded or intentionally play the racial game in order to gain support. By doing so, he is actually causing more harm instead of doing [his supporters] a favour.

Najib should be well aware

Such an issue is not something new; it is an uphill task and I believe PM Najib is well aware of it, especially after Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem's success in the recent state election.

By allowing such political leaders [as Ismail] to continue spreading the importance of racial division, it will ruin the country. This applies to opposition leaders as well.

After more than half a century of independence, we would expect Malaysia’s politics to be based on issues and merit, based transcending race, religion or creed in order to move forward progressively.

Unfortunately it is still a long road ahead.

 

 

ANDY YONG is Gerakan deputy Youth chief.