Putrajaya - Bangsa Malaysia will become a reality when Malaysians relate to each other on the basis of nationality rather than race or religion, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Najib, who was speaking at the launch of National Unity Month 2008 yesterday, said Bangsa Malaysia did not require a homogenous society.
"We can realise Bangsa Malaysia in our minds by looking at another person as Malaysian and not based on his skin colour, race or religion.
"In practice, this means we choose friends not on the basis of their race or religion but on the strength of their character.
"If we help someone, it is because that person truly needs help. We can do this in our daily life, whether in politics, as a government administrator or in the private sector."
He said adopting a Bangsa Malaysia outlook towards fellow citizens was a process and expressed the hope that this would become "normal" for Malaysians in the future.
While racial unity appeared to be growing stronger, he said Malaysians needed to be reminded not to question racial matters that were protected by the Federal Constitution.
"If we want to raise issues, it should be done in a respectful manner so as not to hurt the feelings of others."
Najib presented Tokoh Perpaduan (Unity Role Model) awards to former Sabah chief minister Tun Sakaran Dandai, 78, and National Service Council chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Sakaran received the award for promoting closer ties between Sabah and the peninsula.
Lee was honoured for his service to all races.
Najib also presented medals to five other heroes and heroines for their acts of heroism and service which cut across racial barriers - MCA Public Complaints Bureau head Datuk Michael Chong; cartoonist Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid who is better known as Lat; S. Krishnamoorthy, who single-handedly rescued 19 people in the Mersing ferry tragedy; Mohd Afzal Hamzah, who came to the aid of a snatch theft victim and caught her attacker; and Nafisah Abdullah, who rescued her Chinese neighbour‘s baby in a fire.
Chong, who is credited with having helped around 30,000 people through his bureau, said he hoped to see more young people help each other regardless of race.
Krishnamoorthy, 19, said the award was an unexpected honour as he felt he was just doing what he had to do.
Mohd Afzal, 30, said he hoped his award would inspire other youths to have a greater sense of responsibility towards their fellow Malay-sians.
The function took place at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre and was organised by the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
Source: www.nst.com.my- Deborah Loh (28 Mei 2008)
