Rais: Call for Malay Unity Should not be Questioned
(Bernama) – Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the call for the Malays to be united should not be questioned nor taken lightly.
He said the Malays should be proud of their origins and long history, which was further indicated by the latest archaeological findings in Lembah Bujang, and their own strengths, and had the power to determine their own future.
“Hence, I share the same sentiments as those expressed by our leaders that the Malay Muslim community in this country should be united to remain strong and in power in their own land.”
Rais said this after handing over contributions to 38 mosques in the Jelebu parliamentary constituency at the Lui Selatan 1 Mosque, here, in conjunction with the coming Ramadan.
Rais, who is also Jelebu member of parliament, said the Malay community should not get caught in the ambitions of others out to gain power to serve their own interest.
He said the calls made by Umno leaders like Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the Malays to be united were made based on history and for the sake of their own future, as well as in the interest of the nation.
“Therefore, the Malays should not look back except at their history, but to look forward and together build a better future for the ummah (community). Our own religion (Islam) enjoins us to cooperate with one another and not be divided. If we don’t practise this, it means we do not really understand Islamic teachings,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rais urged Malaysians to fly the Jalur Gemilang for the 53rd Merdeka Day celebration on this Aug 31, to add to the festivity and show patriotism.
“The national flag is inexpensive and if the public find it difficult to get it, they can contact the District Information Offices,” he said after opening the school hall of SJKC Kampung Baru Petaling here.
Rais said that for the first time, the national-level Merdeka Day celebration would be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil with several interesting events lined up.
