Enhance not disrupt racial integration

June 28, 2006


I refer to your report “Ulamas want kongsi raya celebrations reviewed” (Star, June 14).

Since the ruling by the Ulama Conference against “kongsi raya”celebrations, many Malaysians of all faiths, including the prime minister himself, have expressed regret over the decision. This is not the first time such a call is made against the fostering of racial unity in our country.

We can take comfort in our Prime Minister’s moderate stance on this issue and his reassurance that activities like “kongsi raya “would continue to be held. I hope every leader at all levels will take heed of the PM,s call to encourage ethnic interaction.

Mammoth celebrations like “kongsi raya and deepa raya” may not be the best means to develop inter-racial unity but nevertheless they do allow some degree of interaction and goodwill among the races. If even these celebrations are forbidden then how can we hope to promote a more personal and deeper interaction among the races?

If this type of narrow thinking continues to gain momentum, then it would make a mockery of the slogan “Malaysia truly Asia” that is often promoted inside and outside the country. It does not auger well for the future of a truly united Malaysia, where all races live happily together in peace and harmony.

The majority of Malaysians are moderate and would willingly compromise for the sake of creating a nation united in diversity. We must not allow the minority to disrupt the achievements of the majority. We must look more for ways to promote ethnic integration not to disrupt whatever that exists.

The government should take stern measures to promote ethnic integration from an early age in schools. Our national schools must be truly multiracial to reflect the ethnic composition of the country. It is important to impress our young the importance of racial unity in a multiracial country. This will go a great deal for them not to succumb to the ideology that promotes interracial hatred and intolerance.

Dr.Chris Anthony