Najib: Destructive elements cannot be allowed to prevail

The Star

The Government cannot allow “destructive elements” to jeopardise the racial unity which had been carefully nurtured by Malaysia’s founding fathers, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said this would be a betrayal to those who had helped to shape Malaysia into the prosperous and peaceful country it is today.

“Let us not sacrifice the efforts of our nation’s heroes,” he said before launching the Malaysian Youth Council’s inaugural Youth Sports and Culture Festival at Stadium Indera Mulia yesterday.

“If we do not come to a consensus, we will lose as a nation. We must defend this priceless legacy and show that we love our country,” he added.

Najib said organisations such as the MYC played a key role in awakening talents and nurturing future leaders among the young.

Through sports and other activities, youths of all ethnic groups would have the opportunity to interact with each other, said Najib.

“They would be able to see not their differences but the friendships they make,” he added.

Earlier, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali said sports and cultural activities were important components in the lives of all youths.

“Sports knows no racial boundaries and instils the spirit of sportsmanship, while culture is the light that brings colour to civilisation,” he said.

Also present were Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, council president Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and other officials.