Penang - Gerakan today stressed the need to forge greater understanding, empathy and solidarity among Malaysians in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.
In conveying the party`s best wishes for Hari Malaysia (Malaysia Day), its acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon urged all Malaysians to use this occasion to pray for continued peace, harmony and prosperity in the country and to also send well wishes to one another across the South China Sea.
"Sept 16 this year is of particular significance because it marks the 45th anniversary of the formation of Malaysia. It should rightfully be commemorated by all Malaysians throughout the country in a very special way and in a jovial mood.
"Unfortunately, most Malaysians are now being distracted and disturbed by widespread speculation on a change of government through party hopping by members of parliament, the Internal Security Act (ISA) arrests, controversies over race and religion, racial and extremist views, increasing economic burden for the people, declining sense of safety and security, etc," he said in a statement released here.
Nonetheless, he said, all these issues and problems were part of the trials and tribulations of nation-building which Malaysians needed to face and overcome together.
"Therefore, Hari Malaysia is an occasion for us to re-dedicate ourselves to combat all forms of extremism, crimes and corruption, social ills, economic disparities and distortions. We should re-double our effort to promote better understanding and integration across racial, religious and regional barriers.
"We must also continue to push for and implement the various reforms needed in the government, policies and bureaucracy, the judiciary, police and the economic system in order to ensure a better tomorrow for our future generations," he added.
Koh said although Hari Malaysia was a public holiday only in Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysians in the peninsula should also take some time off to commemorate this special day by sending well wishes to fellow Malaysians across the South China Sea, while praying for continued peace, harmony and prosperity for the whole country.
Source: http://www.bernama.com.my (September 15, 2008)