By Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman of Alliance for a Safe Community
KOTA KINABALU: The Alliance for a Safe Community fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in his heartfelt call for unity, which he has described as the greatest gift the Rakyat can offer him.
His Majesty’s words are both timely and deeply meaningful within the context of our multi-racial Nation.
Unity is the cornerstone of our nation’s harmony, peace, progress, and prosperity. It transcends political affiliations, religious beliefs, and ethnic backgrounds.
As Malaysians, we must never take for granted the harmony that has allowed us to thrive as a multiracial, multicultural society.
His Majesty’s call is a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we are stronger and better when we stand together as one people, united in our shared hopes and common destiny.
The responsibility of fostering unity lies with every segment of society, but especially with those in leadership.
The government must continue to implement inclusive policies that protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of race, religion, or background.
National policies should be rooted in fairness and aimed at bridging gaps — be they economic, social, or educational — that threaten to divide us.
Politicians, as public servants and role models, carry a moral obligation to promote messages of inclusion, tolerance, and mutual respect.
They must rise above narrow interests and avoid rhetoric that incites division or undermines our national cohesion.
Instead, they should work together, across party lines, to strengthen the unity that forms the bedrock of our nation’s stability.
Civil society also has a crucial role to play in building bridges between communities, advocating for justice, and encouraging understanding through dialogue and engagement. NGOs, community leaders, educators, and the media must all contribute actively to nurturing a culture of respect and cooperation among Malaysians from all walks of life.
Let us all, whether leaders or ordinary citizens, respond to His Majesty’s call by rejecting divisiveness, embracing respect and compassion, and working hand-in-hand to build a Malaysia that is safe, inclusive, and united.
This is not only the greatest gift we can offer our beloved King — it is also the greatest legacy we can leave for future generations.
