Kuala Lumpur - Bersatu Malaysia, a national signature drive to promote peace, unity and national sovereignty will be launched this weekend to show support for the Barisan Nasional government here.
Umno Youth Anti-Drug and Social Ills bureau chairman Datuk Idris Haron said yesterday: "We expect overwhelming response as a show of support for the cause. I hope Malaysians from all walks of life will sign on to stop negative elements in Malaysia."
The campaign‘s objective was to oppose recent street demonstrations which had created chaos through baseless claims by narrow minded leaders, added Idris.
It is jointly organised by the youth wings of all BN component parties and the Malay-sian Youth Council. The final list would be passed to the prime minister.
The signature drive would be launched in conjunction with the Umno Youth Corporate Anti-Drug Carnival to be held on Dec 15-16 at the Pavilion, Seri Angkasa, Bukit Kerinchi here.
"A budget of RM145,000 has been allocated for the event to create awareness on the dangers of drug abuse through demonstrations, talks and exhibitions by agencies like the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, Anti-Drug Agency and Royal Malaysian Police."
He added that there were over 230,000 addicts in the country and the effort was to realise the "Malaysia as a drug-free nation" vision by 2015.
Meanwhile in Petaling Jaya, some 48 Indian organisations have expressed their regret at the increasing strident voices of disunity threatening ethnic harmony among Malaysians.
"We are anxious to work together to build a better home for all of us," they said in a joint statement yesterday.
The associations included the Malaysia Hindu Sangam, Sri Murugan Centre, Malay-sian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Malaysian Hindu Youth Council, Majlis Kelab Bell Belia Tamil Malaysia, Malaysia Hindu Dharma Mamandram, Persatuan Telugu Malaysia, All Malaysia Malayalee Association and Malaysian Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals.
Source: www.nst.com.my (13 Desember 2007)