 |
National Unity
The Sultan Johor vs Tun Mahathir
The success of integrating Malaysia's various ethnic groups
would be established in
a united Malaysian society. Thus, the national unity plays an important role ... |
Unity = The state of being united or joined as a whole.
|
"European unity"
|
|
Unity = The number
one.
Mathematics/British
National unity refers to a type of government formed by a
group of parties, generally during times of emergency.
These governments are said to be unified by a love of country rather than by political affiliation.
These governments are said to be unified by a love of country rather than by political affiliation.
 |
| So how do we now live together in this tossed salad of a hyphenated culture? One answer is coming mega-church pastor Rick Warren, Evans writes. |
A place (such as a city or country) where different types of people live
together
and gradually create one community.
Full definition: (1) (a) a place where a variety of races, cultures, or
individuals
assimilate into a cohesive whole. (b) the population of such a
place (2) a
process of blending that often results in invigoration or novelty.
|
We're
Really More of a Tossed Salad
Jim Evans Friday, June 26, 2009 6:13 am Section: Columns on Culture and Media |
For many years the image of
a"melting pot" was used to describe the experience of
immigrants coming to America. The expectation was that as people from diverse
backgrounds, cultures and religions make their way to our
country, a sort of American cultural crucible would melt away all
the differences leaving one homogenous social stew.
And at some levels that has happened. Technology has provided a nice blending together of cultures around common language and activities involving cell phones, the Internet and so on. Our consumer culture has had a similar effect, at least in the clothing styles of young people...
And at some levels that has happened. Technology has provided a nice blending together of cultures around common language and activities involving cell phones, the Internet and so on. Our consumer culture has had a similar effect, at least in the clothing styles of young people...
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner on National Unity
By Liliana Franco
Emotional. That was how Cristina Fernández de Kirchner appeared to be in different parts of the speech she gave
during the rally that ended her campaign,in the Coliseo theatre,in a roomful of
supporters. The Head of State gave a speech that appealed to all voters. “ I must coordinate the
interests of the 40 million Argentines,” thus she called for national
unity and joint efforts to keep on growing. She also recalled her late husband,
President Néstor Kirchner and, fighting back tears, she thanked her children,
Máximo and Florencia for their support.
Despite that there supposed to be two
speakers at the rally, Fernández de Kirchner and and running mate Amado Boudou,
the President arrived at the Coliseo theatre shortly after 7.30 pm and walked
directly to the stand. She called for national unity, but warned that nobody is
impartial in the fight and that she isn’t neutral. She also warned union and
business sectors that her priority will always be “social integration and the
defence of the most vulnerable sectors.”
Keeping their faith in certain rituals,
Kirchnerism chose the same theatre which they used to close their campaign
before August primaries. Militants, most of them members of La Cámpora
political group, governors and most of the Cabinet members arrived early.
Before beginning her speech, Fernández de Kirchner introduced the protagonists
of her multiple tv spots and explained when and how she had first met them.
According to official sources, that was spokesman Alfredo Scoccimarro’s idea.
In another passage of her speech, which
lasted nearly half an hour, the President that in light of the global economic
crisis, “Argentina has to double its efforts” to deepen the model and asked all
those sectors that defend their own interests that she must “coordinate the
effort of 40 million Argentines.”
“I will always be on the side of those who fight against inequality, and of those who defend the more vulnerable sectors and social integration, because this is not a fight with impartial actors and I’m not neutral,” she stated.
“I will always be on the side of those who fight against inequality, and of those who defend the more vulnerable sectors and social integration, because this is not a fight with impartial actors and I’m not neutral,” she stated.
National Unity
National unity refers to a type of government formed by
a group of parties, generally during times of emergency. These governments are
said to be unified by a love of country rather than by political affiliation…
In
times of national emergency, such as war or a severe economic crisis, political
parties may put aside their differences and cooperate to further the best
interests of the country. In these situations, no single party is given
majority or recognized as the leading party. Though the parties may have
opposing values or ideals, they are united by a common interest in the
well-being of the country...
National Unity can come in many forms. In simplicity,
they are: (1) Unity through Racial Diversity (2) Unity in Education (3) Unity
through mastering the National Language (4) Unity
through Sports (5) Unity through Sports (6) Unity in Nation Building (7)
Unity through Consultations (8) Unity through Leadership by Example (9) Unity
in Civil Service (11) Unity in National Mourning (12) Unity through Learning
from History (13) Unity through iconic slogan (14) Unity through Learning from
Neighbours (15) Unity through Standardisation of Application Forms and (16) Unity
through Abiding by the Law.
Let’s wake up to
reality. Tools devised to unite Malaysians of all races can come in many forms,
but they serve one purpose ie. to unite a fragile nation. These can succeed
only if ALL have the right mindset, determination and willpower to implement it
with full sincerity, with national interests at heart…
By LEE HUI SENG
A member of the publicity bureau,
Subang division of Selangor Gerakan
What is Unity?
Unity is a positive, practical,
progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus and the
power of prayer. Unity honors the universal truths in all religions and
respects each individual's rights to choose a spiritual path...
Speech on National Unity
The Kremlin, Moscow/November 4, 2008/17:52
Ladies and gentlemen! Dear friends!
I congratulate you on our national holiday –
National Unity Day. We are celebrating this holiday only
for the fourth time, but its origins go very far back
to important events in our wonderful history, events that we all know
and value very much.
Back in 1612 people of very different social
classes, confessions and ethnic groups became aware
of the devastating strife that divided our country and joined
together and rescued Russian statehood, saved our country from invaders,
and charged their descendants to protect and strengthen Russia.
National Unity Day was established in honour
of this national feat that bears witness to the civic feelings
of the people who put an end to the Time
of Troubles. Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky led a volunteer
militia; they were true patriots and their courage, ability to unite
people, and devotion to the Fatherland were actually determinant
factors in allowing our country to be an independent, autonomous
and strong state.
That victory of the people propelled national
unity to the ranks of the highest spiritual values. After
nearly four centuries such values remain of utmost importance today. This
historic legacy has not been interrupted. Love for the Motherland
and deep moral kinship link us with our ancestors. And just
as they did, we continue to strengthen the unity of our
society, knowing that the unity of the Russian people is
essential for Russia’s successful development for the years
and decades to come.
There are many of our compatriots from around
the world in this hall today. Their involvement in the life
of modern Russia is increasing.
Dear friends! We see your desire to work together
and unite. And we feel the interest and the openness
with you respond to our programmes and present your own projects. We
see how much time and effort you devote to strengthening ties between
Russia and other nations, strengthening ties with your historic
Motherland, and of course helping the development
of a constructive dialogue between Russia and its foreign
partners.
I would like to highlight your active
participation in expanding Russian-speaking spheres. It is in large
part thanks to your work that the influence of Russian culture
in the world continues to grow. You support Russian theatres,
libraries, cultural centres, media and thereby help other countries, their
citizens and simply ordinary people better understand Russia today.
There are compatriots among us who have received prestigious
state awards and now they will be presented with Russian orders
and medals. These compatriots include cultural figures, Russian language
teachers and leaders of social organisations.
I would like to sincerely thank you all
for your tremendous contribution to the preservation
and development of our national heritage. Thank you for this.
And again I want to say thank you to all those who love
and help our country. We are united in these desires.
I congratulate all those present on National
Unity Day. Please proceed to the awards ceremony.
Dear friends! Of course I would once again like
to congratulate all those present on this occasion. This is
a young holiday but I hope it will find and restore spiritual
traditions that existed in the past and still exist today.
I would like once again to thank you warmly
for what you do. Such unity is a prerequisite
for the development of the country, but it is particularly
necessary at a time when the state and society must pass
through a particularly trying time.
This year was not the easiest for our country
and during our trials – military, political, and economic
ones – we feel your support, your true love for Russia,
and for the people who live and work here. And such
unity is very valuable.
Thank you very much. Congratulations!
President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon
Dushanbe City/26.06.2011 17:00
Dear
fellow-citizens!
Distinguished audience!
Today, as we are together on the threshold of the celebration of the anniversary of National Reconciliation Day, that is a historical and determining date of national unity, establishing lasting peace and overall stability, casting the first stone of development in all areas of society’s life in the new history of our independent country, I sincerely congratulate every citizen of Tajikistan, all our countrymen living abroad and all of you, dear ladies and gentlemen, with this occasion.
It was particularly due to national conciliation and uniting political forces on its ground, reaching an accord in society that we could achieve state independence and protect territorial integrity of our country, as well as provide consolidation of the people of Tajikistan fourteen years ago.
Hence, by years elapsing we more and more realize the historical significance of this crucial date, the value of peace and stability and the importance of national reconciliation as an invaluable wealth, and we will always strive to preserve this sustainable and long-lasting peace, celebrating every year the National Reconciliation with a special pride and satisfaction as well as splendor and magnificence.
This year celebration of the Unity Day falls on the eve of great and festive commemoration of our nation – the 20 anniversary of the state independence that will take place in our capital Dushanbe.
This landmark date gave the start in formation of new period of our independent state, establishing staunch and unbreakable basis for promotion of state renaissance.
Today we can say with full confidence that prosperity and well-being of our beloved homeland – Tajikistan are the fruits of our independence and national unity.
Therefore, every resident of the country has to make an aspiration and make vigorous efforts in order to strengthen national reconciliation, develop national statehood and promote prosperity with the sense of thankfulness to peace and stability which we today enjoy.
Current political situation in the region and in the world obliges us to use all constructive forces of society for protection of achievements of the independence, strengthening statehood, national unity, peace and stability, and ensuring extensive socio-economic development in the country.
To this end, young people of the country have to play a decisive role, being the leading and constructive force, since the future of every country and nation depends on youth. This point is particularly important for Tajikistan, as the majority of our population is composed of young people.
From this point of view, in the process of an implementation of public policy we take young people as our major support.
All people of the country, particularly young generation, in their turn, have to always remember that national reconciliation along with the independence is an invaluable wealth of our society, and development of all areas of our life, improvement of the living standard of our nation, prosperity of our homeland and the future of our independent state and our national statehood precisely depend on unity, solidarity as well as peace and stability of the people of Tajikistan.
In this context, continuous advancement of national identity and promotion of significance of the national unity among young generation has to be determined as one of the most important dimensions and major norms of education.
This constructive path, i.e. building strong national identity, will urge oneself to admire the value of homeland, national wealth such as independence, freedom and national symbols, high cultural values, native language, the worldwide known literature and ancient history and culture of this nation, at the same time, striving to pass this valuable heritage to next generation.
To date, the culture of state-building and statehood entered our society with a new shape and is developing step by step, leading us to creativity.
In this light, the foundation of national reconciliation as a grounding idea in society is strengthening day by day, as young and old people of Tajikistan always seek for prosperity and peace.
By this main and nation-wide foundation, we can unite all segments of society and ensure sustainable development in all areas of life of the society. For this purpose, maintaining favorable condition for peace and stability, mutual understanding, respect of opinion and positions, accord in society, tolerance and constructive intentions of political parties and public organizations are essential.
To live in harmony and in an atmosphere of unity and agreement, generosity and courtesy is considered to be one of the features of human coexistence in all times.
As our ancestors say, power and luck of every nation depends on the unity and entirety of its people.
National unity always wins over the war and discord. That is why, a soul task, a divine duty and human treatise of every member of our nation that has a dignity, high sense of self-identity and love towards homeland is to strengthen friendship and brotherhood, reinforce peace and prosperity, national unity as well as to protect the achievements of our independence. We have to love our homeland sincerely and by all heart, and continuously strive for its development and prosperity.
In this case, we can strengthen the belief and confidence of people in foundations of national unity, independence and national statehood as well as unceasingly implement our large-scale constructive plans.
Independence and national unity are two wings of a success story and two pivotal pillars of the culture of our statehood that empower each other.
For happiness of today’s and future generations, we own a nation state that is flourishing in the realm of unity and reconciliation and existing in peace and stability.
It is in this period of time, that we found a historical possibility to strengthen the foundations of our statehood through the idea of national unity, which itself means expression of viewpoint of the majority of our population, to outline great and constructive projects to offer a life of dignity and high living standard of the population, to resolve current difficulties and challenges we are facing, and to bring prosperity to our homeland, working day and night, so to leave a flourishing land and a developed country to generations to come.
To have better achievements in this direction, it is necessary for the whole society to pay a particular attention to the issue of education.
New generation and young people have to be educated in the spirit of patriotism and love to homeland, so they feel themselves as true successors of this country and society, and strive for prosperity of their glorious homeland. Today science is developing in the world with unimaginable speed and newest modern technologies are being produced. Young people in our country should not be chained by traditions of superstition and prejudice, but rather be better aware of achievements of science and technology of the contemporary world, widen the horizon of their world-view, acquire modern knowledge adopt best practices and go along the development of the time.
Using the achievements of science and modern technology as well as national traditions and moral values, our ultimate goal is to bring up a well-educated generation with an advanced culture that could take the responsibility over the future destiny of their country and people.
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Peace, unity and tolerance became the precious values of the nature and spirit of the Tajik people, being mixed by our existence, and having great significance in building our culture and ethics as well as moral life of our society.
Along the world-known culture of the ancient and civilized Tajik nation, peace, unity and tolerance added new value and a powerful strength to us – Tajiks as three determining moral jewels in our history and destiny of hundred years of instability and volatility.
Every society needs a goal and a pointer to define its path of development accordingly. Such goal has to be set on the basis of history, values and sense of national identity, corresponding to the needs and existing realities of society and uniting the major layers of society around itself so to lead the people towards development and prosperity. Foundation of national unity is such an idea and uniting goal for all of us.
Building the bases of reconciliation and unity is one of the principal tasks of every nation that has a state, as without the idea of sustainable national unity and clear definition of historical path of every nation, continuation of its efforts towards great political and socio-economic achievements can be not only difficult, but even impossible.
Certainly, it is not the first time that our nation within its own history faces with the necessity of addressing such challenges.
The glorious and noble sons of the Tajik nation seeking proper and worthy responses to these challenges for several times helped to take the people out of ideological deadlock and shown new ways of achieving the progress and prosperity to the present and next generations.
In this context, I would like to particularly draw your attention to a specific and important issue. Only after thousand years of statelessness, our nation regained a state and attained independence.
Particularly national state, independent free and democratic nation has brought historic opportunity for us to build an idea of national unity and reconciliation and determine ways and approach towards future, to create a lasting public opinion which includes justice, as well as helps to unite the nation, links today’s and the future day of the people and meets the needs of the members of society. In general, we succeed to building a public comprehensive opinion which to be a guideline and a program for origin, protection and development of the Tajik nation and finally be recognized as a national idea of Tajiks.
In the modern terms, strengthening and formation of such idea cannot be developed in the form of a propaganda slogan, but would be possible only in the form of elaboration of a concept or target program on a prospect of the national development. Elaboration of such determining document is not easy. Therefore, it should be made through the involvement of respected and authoritative representatives of all segments and sections of society.
National unity is the basis for stability of the people, guarantee of the progress of the state and the most important factor of the development of society.
Thereby, every devoted and noble citizen, self-aware and patriotic son of the nation should breed a good sense of unity in the bottom of own heart and mind and make extensive efforts and aspiration for the strengthening and reinforcement of this unity as unique national value and invaluable achievement of the independence era.
The Tajik nation does not forget the horror of imposed civil war, difficult period and enormous damage caused by that war. In this regard, we all should be vigilant more than ever, to always respect the state independence of the nation and value our freedom and sovereignty and prioritize our statehood and homeland.
At this juncture, namely, unity and consolidation, solidarity, integration and mutual understanding will help us to lay a solid ground for the building and development of an overall idea of the national unity and this noble idea will further guide the people for visible and grand victories and triumphs.
Since, genuine wisdom of our civilized nation particularly was established thanks to the national self-identity, respect to culture, education and love towards nation and Homeland.
These facilitated to building a staunch ground for the independency of our country which we today witness the fruits of this independency in the celebration of the grand event of a friendship, unity, mutual understanding, peace and stability and national solidarity.
I once again sincerely congratulate you all distinguished compatriots with the grand and holy celebration of the national unity and wish every family of the country and those fellow-nationals living abroad well-being, happiness and prosperity.
Let the national unity of the Tajik people be unbreakable and live forever!
Let peace, stability and harmony always triumph in our ancient land!
Let the flag of our independent Tajikistan flap among the civilized society of the world forever.
I wish you good health and happiness!
Today, as we are together on the threshold of the celebration of the anniversary of National Reconciliation Day, that is a historical and determining date of national unity, establishing lasting peace and overall stability, casting the first stone of development in all areas of society’s life in the new history of our independent country, I sincerely congratulate every citizen of Tajikistan, all our countrymen living abroad and all of you, dear ladies and gentlemen, with this occasion.
It was particularly due to national conciliation and uniting political forces on its ground, reaching an accord in society that we could achieve state independence and protect territorial integrity of our country, as well as provide consolidation of the people of Tajikistan fourteen years ago.
Hence, by years elapsing we more and more realize the historical significance of this crucial date, the value of peace and stability and the importance of national reconciliation as an invaluable wealth, and we will always strive to preserve this sustainable and long-lasting peace, celebrating every year the National Reconciliation with a special pride and satisfaction as well as splendor and magnificence.
This year celebration of the Unity Day falls on the eve of great and festive commemoration of our nation – the 20 anniversary of the state independence that will take place in our capital Dushanbe.
This landmark date gave the start in formation of new period of our independent state, establishing staunch and unbreakable basis for promotion of state renaissance.
Today we can say with full confidence that prosperity and well-being of our beloved homeland – Tajikistan are the fruits of our independence and national unity.
Therefore, every resident of the country has to make an aspiration and make vigorous efforts in order to strengthen national reconciliation, develop national statehood and promote prosperity with the sense of thankfulness to peace and stability which we today enjoy.
Current political situation in the region and in the world obliges us to use all constructive forces of society for protection of achievements of the independence, strengthening statehood, national unity, peace and stability, and ensuring extensive socio-economic development in the country.
To this end, young people of the country have to play a decisive role, being the leading and constructive force, since the future of every country and nation depends on youth. This point is particularly important for Tajikistan, as the majority of our population is composed of young people.
From this point of view, in the process of an implementation of public policy we take young people as our major support.
All people of the country, particularly young generation, in their turn, have to always remember that national reconciliation along with the independence is an invaluable wealth of our society, and development of all areas of our life, improvement of the living standard of our nation, prosperity of our homeland and the future of our independent state and our national statehood precisely depend on unity, solidarity as well as peace and stability of the people of Tajikistan.
In this context, continuous advancement of national identity and promotion of significance of the national unity among young generation has to be determined as one of the most important dimensions and major norms of education.
This constructive path, i.e. building strong national identity, will urge oneself to admire the value of homeland, national wealth such as independence, freedom and national symbols, high cultural values, native language, the worldwide known literature and ancient history and culture of this nation, at the same time, striving to pass this valuable heritage to next generation.
To date, the culture of state-building and statehood entered our society with a new shape and is developing step by step, leading us to creativity.
In this light, the foundation of national reconciliation as a grounding idea in society is strengthening day by day, as young and old people of Tajikistan always seek for prosperity and peace.
By this main and nation-wide foundation, we can unite all segments of society and ensure sustainable development in all areas of life of the society. For this purpose, maintaining favorable condition for peace and stability, mutual understanding, respect of opinion and positions, accord in society, tolerance and constructive intentions of political parties and public organizations are essential.
To live in harmony and in an atmosphere of unity and agreement, generosity and courtesy is considered to be one of the features of human coexistence in all times.
As our ancestors say, power and luck of every nation depends on the unity and entirety of its people.
National unity always wins over the war and discord. That is why, a soul task, a divine duty and human treatise of every member of our nation that has a dignity, high sense of self-identity and love towards homeland is to strengthen friendship and brotherhood, reinforce peace and prosperity, national unity as well as to protect the achievements of our independence. We have to love our homeland sincerely and by all heart, and continuously strive for its development and prosperity.
In this case, we can strengthen the belief and confidence of people in foundations of national unity, independence and national statehood as well as unceasingly implement our large-scale constructive plans.
Independence and national unity are two wings of a success story and two pivotal pillars of the culture of our statehood that empower each other.
For happiness of today’s and future generations, we own a nation state that is flourishing in the realm of unity and reconciliation and existing in peace and stability.
It is in this period of time, that we found a historical possibility to strengthen the foundations of our statehood through the idea of national unity, which itself means expression of viewpoint of the majority of our population, to outline great and constructive projects to offer a life of dignity and high living standard of the population, to resolve current difficulties and challenges we are facing, and to bring prosperity to our homeland, working day and night, so to leave a flourishing land and a developed country to generations to come.
To have better achievements in this direction, it is necessary for the whole society to pay a particular attention to the issue of education.
New generation and young people have to be educated in the spirit of patriotism and love to homeland, so they feel themselves as true successors of this country and society, and strive for prosperity of their glorious homeland. Today science is developing in the world with unimaginable speed and newest modern technologies are being produced. Young people in our country should not be chained by traditions of superstition and prejudice, but rather be better aware of achievements of science and technology of the contemporary world, widen the horizon of their world-view, acquire modern knowledge adopt best practices and go along the development of the time.
Using the achievements of science and modern technology as well as national traditions and moral values, our ultimate goal is to bring up a well-educated generation with an advanced culture that could take the responsibility over the future destiny of their country and people.
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Peace, unity and tolerance became the precious values of the nature and spirit of the Tajik people, being mixed by our existence, and having great significance in building our culture and ethics as well as moral life of our society.
Along the world-known culture of the ancient and civilized Tajik nation, peace, unity and tolerance added new value and a powerful strength to us – Tajiks as three determining moral jewels in our history and destiny of hundred years of instability and volatility.
Every society needs a goal and a pointer to define its path of development accordingly. Such goal has to be set on the basis of history, values and sense of national identity, corresponding to the needs and existing realities of society and uniting the major layers of society around itself so to lead the people towards development and prosperity. Foundation of national unity is such an idea and uniting goal for all of us.
Building the bases of reconciliation and unity is one of the principal tasks of every nation that has a state, as without the idea of sustainable national unity and clear definition of historical path of every nation, continuation of its efforts towards great political and socio-economic achievements can be not only difficult, but even impossible.
Certainly, it is not the first time that our nation within its own history faces with the necessity of addressing such challenges.
The glorious and noble sons of the Tajik nation seeking proper and worthy responses to these challenges for several times helped to take the people out of ideological deadlock and shown new ways of achieving the progress and prosperity to the present and next generations.
In this context, I would like to particularly draw your attention to a specific and important issue. Only after thousand years of statelessness, our nation regained a state and attained independence.
Particularly national state, independent free and democratic nation has brought historic opportunity for us to build an idea of national unity and reconciliation and determine ways and approach towards future, to create a lasting public opinion which includes justice, as well as helps to unite the nation, links today’s and the future day of the people and meets the needs of the members of society. In general, we succeed to building a public comprehensive opinion which to be a guideline and a program for origin, protection and development of the Tajik nation and finally be recognized as a national idea of Tajiks.
In the modern terms, strengthening and formation of such idea cannot be developed in the form of a propaganda slogan, but would be possible only in the form of elaboration of a concept or target program on a prospect of the national development. Elaboration of such determining document is not easy. Therefore, it should be made through the involvement of respected and authoritative representatives of all segments and sections of society.
National unity is the basis for stability of the people, guarantee of the progress of the state and the most important factor of the development of society.
Thereby, every devoted and noble citizen, self-aware and patriotic son of the nation should breed a good sense of unity in the bottom of own heart and mind and make extensive efforts and aspiration for the strengthening and reinforcement of this unity as unique national value and invaluable achievement of the independence era.
The Tajik nation does not forget the horror of imposed civil war, difficult period and enormous damage caused by that war. In this regard, we all should be vigilant more than ever, to always respect the state independence of the nation and value our freedom and sovereignty and prioritize our statehood and homeland.
At this juncture, namely, unity and consolidation, solidarity, integration and mutual understanding will help us to lay a solid ground for the building and development of an overall idea of the national unity and this noble idea will further guide the people for visible and grand victories and triumphs.
Since, genuine wisdom of our civilized nation particularly was established thanks to the national self-identity, respect to culture, education and love towards nation and Homeland.
These facilitated to building a staunch ground for the independency of our country which we today witness the fruits of this independency in the celebration of the grand event of a friendship, unity, mutual understanding, peace and stability and national solidarity.
I once again sincerely congratulate you all distinguished compatriots with the grand and holy celebration of the national unity and wish every family of the country and those fellow-nationals living abroad well-being, happiness and prosperity.
Let the national unity of the Tajik people be unbreakable and live forever!
Let peace, stability and harmony always triumph in our ancient land!
Let the flag of our independent Tajikistan flap among the civilized society of the world forever.
I wish you good health and happiness!
Prime Miniser of India
India/August 15, 2006
Today, from this historic Red Fort, I
appeal to every one of you to re-dedicate yourself to build a new India. - An
India that is united in thought, not divided by religion and language. - An
India that is united in our Indianness, not divided by caste and region. - An
India that is united in seeking new opportunities for growth, not divided by
disparities. - An India that is caring and inclusive. Our religions may be
different. Our castes may be different. Our languages may be different. But we
are all Indians. In our progress lies the progress of the nation. Our fortunes
and our nation fortunes are intertwined. And working together, we can make this
fortune a glorious one…
Read More...
National Unity Government
A nation is an aggregate of individuals
living in a particular area having common historical back ground and pursuing
common collective interests. It is the community of purpose which keeps them
united and gives them strength and prosperity. It is the achievement of his
higher ideal which makes them forget their individual differences and interests
and to work unitedly for the realization of collective national objectives.
National unity is a process of achieving national cohesion, stability, prosperity, strength, and feelings of being united as a nation. No one can deny the fact that unity is safety. Disunity results in fall of the countries. There are many examples in the history of the world when due to lack of national unity there have been internal as well as external dangers to the security and survival of countries. In our history also, we lost East Pakistan due to lack of national unity.
Pakistan has faced varying degrees of religious, ethnic, linguistic, and political problems that are often in conflict with our national interest/The present situation of national unity is not very bright and encouraging. We are the worst victims of disunity. Our religion gave the message of unity and love to the whole human race but we have turned the tables. We have become totally disunited. We have developed different political groups, caste system and even religious sects. These trends have proved and are still proving to be very costly. We are inwardly as well as outwardly in danger. There are some other powers that cannot see an ideological state progressing close to their borders. The enemies of Pakistan have always been looking for some opportunity to weaken the national unity in the country and to disintegrate it. Often the newspapers reflect this disunity. One of our neighbors is a constant danger for us but still we have not learnt any lesson from our past mistakes. To guard against all external as well as internal challenges to the solidarity and security of Pakistan, a well knitted and integrated nation is a must.
There is no doubt that Pakistan is passing through the most critical period of its history. The terrorism, sectarianism, corruption, political unrest and economic crisis are causing a threat to its solidarity. The vital need of the hour is to strengthen our unity as a nation. It can be achieved by projecting the ideological basis for which Pakistan came into existence. Without further loss of time we should introduce Islamic system of life in our country because Islam helps in creating national unity brotherhood and equality. It guarantees social justice and does not allow any kind of exploitation or discrimination. Besides that we should work for the success of democracy and representative government in Pakistan. We can make people patriotic by giving them a sense of participation in the affairs of the government. The provincial governments must be left free from develop their resources and to solve their regional problems freely without any interference from the central government. Government should take steps to promote mutual understanding and co operation among the people of the four provinces. To make Pakistan powerful and prosperous national unity is a must. Therefore, in order to live a happy and secure life. We should try to uproot all the differences, all the clashes and all the obstacles that are there.
Here are suggestions to improve national unity.
Act upon Islamic rules and make Pakistan an ideal Islamic state.
Media i.e. T.V, radio and newspaper should play their vital positive role in promotion national unity.
Equals rights must be given to all citizens of Pakistan irrespective of caste, creed, area and language.
Educational system especially syllabus on all levels should be based on national unity.
Students are leaders of future. There should be seminars in educational institutions for improving national unity.
Every citizen should play his part and realize his basic responsibility in serving the nation.
Conclusion:
In short, we can say that national unity is the first and foremost necessity of peaceful and prosperous country. No one can deny the fact that unity is safety. This we can do only by realizing our responsibilities and recognizing other people’s rights.
National unity is a process of achieving national cohesion, stability, prosperity, strength, and feelings of being united as a nation. No one can deny the fact that unity is safety. Disunity results in fall of the countries. There are many examples in the history of the world when due to lack of national unity there have been internal as well as external dangers to the security and survival of countries. In our history also, we lost East Pakistan due to lack of national unity.
Pakistan has faced varying degrees of religious, ethnic, linguistic, and political problems that are often in conflict with our national interest/The present situation of national unity is not very bright and encouraging. We are the worst victims of disunity. Our religion gave the message of unity and love to the whole human race but we have turned the tables. We have become totally disunited. We have developed different political groups, caste system and even religious sects. These trends have proved and are still proving to be very costly. We are inwardly as well as outwardly in danger. There are some other powers that cannot see an ideological state progressing close to their borders. The enemies of Pakistan have always been looking for some opportunity to weaken the national unity in the country and to disintegrate it. Often the newspapers reflect this disunity. One of our neighbors is a constant danger for us but still we have not learnt any lesson from our past mistakes. To guard against all external as well as internal challenges to the solidarity and security of Pakistan, a well knitted and integrated nation is a must.
There is no doubt that Pakistan is passing through the most critical period of its history. The terrorism, sectarianism, corruption, political unrest and economic crisis are causing a threat to its solidarity. The vital need of the hour is to strengthen our unity as a nation. It can be achieved by projecting the ideological basis for which Pakistan came into existence. Without further loss of time we should introduce Islamic system of life in our country because Islam helps in creating national unity brotherhood and equality. It guarantees social justice and does not allow any kind of exploitation or discrimination. Besides that we should work for the success of democracy and representative government in Pakistan. We can make people patriotic by giving them a sense of participation in the affairs of the government. The provincial governments must be left free from develop their resources and to solve their regional problems freely without any interference from the central government. Government should take steps to promote mutual understanding and co operation among the people of the four provinces. To make Pakistan powerful and prosperous national unity is a must. Therefore, in order to live a happy and secure life. We should try to uproot all the differences, all the clashes and all the obstacles that are there.
Here are suggestions to improve national unity.
Act upon Islamic rules and make Pakistan an ideal Islamic state.
Media i.e. T.V, radio and newspaper should play their vital positive role in promotion national unity.
Equals rights must be given to all citizens of Pakistan irrespective of caste, creed, area and language.
Educational system especially syllabus on all levels should be based on national unity.
Students are leaders of future. There should be seminars in educational institutions for improving national unity.
Every citizen should play his part and realize his basic responsibility in serving the nation.
Conclusion:
In short, we can say that national unity is the first and foremost necessity of peaceful and prosperous country. No one can deny the fact that unity is safety. This we can do only by realizing our responsibilities and recognizing other people’s rights.
National Integration Essay
National integration is a way to make people aware about
the power of unity among people living in a country. It makes people aware
about the necessity of Rastriya Ekta by bringing equality among people of
different culture, race, cast and religion. We have provided essay on national
integration in various words limit for your lovely kids and school going
children. Let them know about national integration in very simple words and
sentences. Let your children be smart enough in the class by helping him to
learn such simple national integration essay.
Essay 1: National integration is also known as Rastriya Ekta and National
integration day as Rastriya Ekta Diwas. It is a positive aspect to reduce the
differences of socio-cultural and economic as well as inequalities among people
of the country. It promotes to strengthen the unity among people of any group,
society, community and whole country to bring national unity a day. It is not a
force by any authority however it is a request from people to make our country
a developed country. It is possible only through the unity and harmony of the
people. They should share their ideas, values and other issues to enhance their
emotional bonds. People must feel and live the unity within diversity and make
our national identity a supreme power.
Essay 2: National integration is of great importance in India to enhance the
individual level development in this country and make it a strong country. In
order to make people aware of it completely, it is celebrated as an event every
year on 19th of November (birthday anniversary of first
woman Indian prime minister, Indira Gandhi) as National Integration Day (means
Rastriya Ekta Diwas) and National Integration Week ((means Quami Ekta Week)
from 19th of November to 25th of
November. The real meaning of the integration is combination of various parts
to make it one.
India is a country where people from various regions, religions,
culture, tradition, race, cast, colour, and creed are living together. So,
people integration is must in India to make a national integration. If people
from different religions and culture live together by uniting, there will be no
any social or developmental problems. It is known as unity in diversity in India
however it is not true but we (youth of the country) have to make it possible.
Essay 3: In India National Integration Day is observed as a most important
social event every year on 19th of
November. For more awareness among public about the national integration, a
whole week programme has also been implemented by the government of India to
observe annually as National Integration Week from 19th to 25th November.
India is a country famous for its different cultures, traditions, races,
religions, castes and creeds but it cannot be unseen that it is still comes
under the developing countries because of the diversity in the thinking of
people living here. People living here think differently according to their own
culture and religion which is a big issue of hindering the individual and
country development.
India is famous for its unity in diversity but it is not true as people
here are not ready to accept others opinion for development. Everyone always
try here that his religion is best than others and what he does is always
great. People from different races living here are fighting physically,
emotionally, arguing, debating in many ways to prove them best only for their
own benefits. They never think by getting together about their country. They
never think that the development of our country is possible only with growth
and development of individual and single identity of everyone.
"Everyone must try to
help and see that the people are one-minded, with loyalty and one aim, to make
Malaysia - the land we love - a happy abode for all of us. Let us always
remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a
nation." Tunku Abdul Rahman, Father of Independence
Moderation is the only
road for Malaysia, the road to unity, harmony and tolerance.
Together let's
stand for a moderate Malaysia.
MALAYSIA
National Unity
The Sultan Johor vs Tun
Mahathir
The Star/Nation/25 August,
2016
JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor
strongly rebuked Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the former prime minister’s
disapproval of the Bangsa Johor concept.
Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan
Iskandar expressed his displeasure over the remarks made by Dr Mahathir that
the concept could disunite the people.
“Tun Mahathir’s uncalled for remarks
reflect his complete ignorance of Johor’s history.
“My great-grandfather Sultan Sir
Ibrahim in 1920 made the clarion call Bangsa Johor to unite the various races
in Johor under one flag for greater cooperation, harmony and peaceful
existence. No race or individual was marginalised. He has been proven correct.
“The Bangsa Johor concept was
initiated even before Tun Mahathir was born. He has no idea of what he is
talking about,” said the Sultan.
Dr Mahathir, asked for his opinion
about the Bangsa Johor concept at the 20th Perdana Dialogue Series themed
“Federal-States Relations” at the Perdana Leadership Foundation yesterday, had
said unity among Malaysians could slide if the people practised too much
parochialism.
Dr Mahathir said the people should
all be known as Malaysians, instead of the people of Johor or Kedah because “only
when we are united can the nation prosper”.
While Johor has the right to promote
the idea of Bangsa Johor, Dr Mahathir said what should be pushed instead was
for the people to embrace that they are all Malaysians rather than identifying
themselves from the state they originate from.
“After all, we are all citizens of
Malaysia, irrespective of our colour, religion, ethnicity or even position,” Dr
Mahathir had said.
Sultan Ibrahim yesterday said Dr
Mahathir was not qualified to talk about unity.
“He is going around dividing the
people including the Malays, while I am uniting Malaysians of all races
including the Malays,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim said Dr Mahathir
should understand all states enjoyed their own unique pride but that did not
mean they were leaving the Federation.
“It is a figment of Dr Mahathir’s
imagination. He is stirring the hornet’s nest and my advice to him is to keep
his mouth shut.”
Sultan Ibrahim said Dr Mahathir had
earned a reputation for being a confrontational person who had caused division,
especially in his foreign relations policy.
“He has quarrelled with many world
leaders including with our neighbour Singapore and putting Malaysia in a spot.
“And now he talks about unity with an
incredible straight face.
“Tun Mahathir is the root cause of
the present problems in the country. He has no right to interfere in my state.
I will not tolerate his antics,” the Johor Sultan said.
KUALA LUMPUR — Johor monarch Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar has
cautioned Dr Mahathir Mohamad to keep his nose out of matters related to his
state, including the “Bangsa Johor” concept used to rally its people.
Dr Mahathir’s antagonism towards world
leaders had put Malaysia “in a spot” in the past, the sultan was reported by
The Star as saying on Thursday (Aug 25) in a scathing response to the former
prime minister’s remarks on Wednesday that such notions promoting affinity to
individual states over the country will divide Malaysians.
“He has quarrelled with many world
leaders including with our neighbour Singapore and putting Malaysia in a spot.
“And now he talks about unity with an
incredible straight face. Tun Mahathir is the root cause of the present
problems in the country. He has no right to interfere in my state. I will not
tolerate his antics,” Sultan Ibrahim was quoted saying.
He remarked that the 91-year-old
Kedahan is now making trouble as the protem chairman of a new splinter force
Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia that is seeking to unseat the Malay nationalist
party United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) at the next general elections
and advised Dr Mahathir to “keep his mouth shut”.
“He is going around dividing the people
including the Malays, while I am uniting Malaysians of all races including the
Malays,” Sultan Ibrahim was quoted saying.
He added that the “Bangsa Johor”
concept was initiated by his great-grandfather and namesake Sultan Sir Ibrahim
Al-Masyhur Abu Bakar in 1920 as a clarion call to unite the diverse races in
the state under one flag.
“No race or individual was
marginalised,” the Johor ruler was quoted saying, and castigated Dr Mahathir
for his ignorance of history.
The “Bangsa Johor” concept could
encourage “unhealthy” feelings of superiority by the residents of one state
over another, Dr Mahathir said in a question-and-answer session during a forum
on the relations between the federal and state governments in Putrajaya on
Wednesday.
The fourth prime minister had
introduced and promoted the “Bangsa Malaysia” policy during his 22-year tenure
in office that ended in 2003 and pointed out that Johor owed some of its
current prosperity and development to its position in the Federation of
Malaysia.
He also commented later that Johor’s
departure from the federation would be detrimental both to the state and the
country as both shared a symbiotic relationship with each other, in response to
past suggestions from Johor crown prince Ismail Ibrahim that his state was
entitled to leave Malaysia if it was unhappy with Putrajaya.
Perhaps hoping to drive home his point,
Sultan Ibrahim posted a two-minute video of his interaction with Johoreans in
Muar on his official Facebook page on Thursday morning, which he titled:
“Sultan of Johor : Bersama Bangsa Johor, Muar, 23 Ogos 2016”.
Tun Mahathir
PUTRAJAYA: Parochialism, including
the Bangsa Johor concept raised by the state Crown Prince will divide
Malaysians, warns Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
It could also result in the breakup
of the Federation, he added.
While Johor has the right to promote
the idea of a Bangsa Johor, the former prime minister said it was more
important to get people to embrace themselves as Malaysians, rather than
identifying themselves with the state they originate from.
“If each state wishes to separate,
then the Federation will collapse.
"This notion can also lead to
residents of a state feeling superior over another’s. This is unhealthy.
“What we must actually do is to
encourage unity. Only when the people are truly united as Malaysians can we
prosper,” he said in response to a question from the floor at the 20th Perdana
Dialogue Series yesterday.
Themed “Federal-States Relations”,
the conference was held at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here.
He warned there would be consequences
should Johor decide to leave the Federation.
Dr Mahathir added that the prosperity
and development enjoyed by the state was due to some help from the Federal Government.
He told the audience that Malaysia
could only be developed and prosper after Independence in 1957 because all the
states were united under the Federation.
Dr Mahathir stressed that “everyone
should take a leaf from history books on the importance of unity”.
“Malaysia has achieved a great deal
of success and wealth through unity and the shared support system that has been
put in place since Independence,” he added.
The Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku
Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has expressed on several occasions that Johor could
leave Malaysia if the state felt that it was not governed well by the Federal
Government.
He had also challenged detractors to
seek his state’s expulsion from the country if they were unhappy with how the
state was run.
The Johor royal family had introduced
the term Bangsa Johor to unite the people of the state regardless of race and
religion.
Tun
Mahathir
The Star/Nation/Thursday, 25 August 2016 | MYT 10:57 AM
PETALING JAYA: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic)has apologised for making
amendments to the Federal Constitution which removes the requirement for the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong's assent before a new act of Parliament comes into force.
"I sincerely apologise for making the
amendment as it is open to misinterpretation," said the former prime
minister.
"It would seem that because of
the amendment, the new National Security Council (NSC) law has become
operational even though the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has not signed it," he
said on his blog on Thursday.
Dr Mahathir said the amendment was
not for all laws.
He clarified that the amendment did
not invalidate the other powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which number more
than thirty.
"Some laws passed by Parliament
will still need the consent and signature of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"In fact there are more than thirty
proceedings listed out in the Constitution that still need the Agong's approval
frequently without the advice of the Prime Minister," he said.
Dr Mahathir said that among those
that still needed the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was the declaration
of a state of emergency.
He cited Article 150 of the
Proclamation of Emergency that states that the powers "to proclaim an
emergency solely rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and may not be
challenged."
He claimed that there was no mention
that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong could only act on the advice of the Prime
Minister.
"The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can
even promulgate an ordinance which shall have the same force as an Act of
Parliament," he said.
Dr Mahathir also claimed that the new
NSC Act, that "gives" the prime minister power similar to that of the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong is derogatory to Article 38(4) which states "no law
directly affecting the privileges, position, honours or dignities of the Rulers
shall be passed without the consent of the Conference of Rulers".
"Effectively the NSC had taken
away the power and the right of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. For this to be done
the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers has to be
obtained," he said, adding that Article 130 entitled the Yang di-Pertuan
Agong to refer the question of the NSC Act's legality to the Federal Court.
‘Bangsa Johor Concept Coined to Unite All Races In State’
The
Star/Friday, 26 August 2016
JOHOR BARU: The Bangsa Johor concept was created to unite all races
in the southern state, said Johor Royal Court president Datuk Abdul Rahim
Ramli.
“A lot of people do not understand what Bangsa Johor is all about and because these
individuals lack understanding, they question what is special about Johor
creating its own race instead of being called Malaysians.
“Actually, Bangsa Johor is not something new as it was created
by Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim some 96 years ago
where it has grown into a concept and an institution as a symbol of unity in
Johor and not a cause for disruption among Malaysians,” he said in a press
conference here yesterday.
Abdul Rahim said this in response to
former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s claims that the Bangsa Johor concept would divide Malaysians, which
could also result in the break-up of the Federation.
He said that all sides must learn and
understand the history of the modern Johor Sultanate before making any
statements or remarks about Bangsa Johor.
Abdul Rahim pointed out that those
who believe Johor wanted to create its own race or acted as though it wanted to
leave Malaysia were wrong.
He added that the Johor Sultanate had
always taken unprecedented steps which would later be proven as farsighted
moves.
“Look at our first modern Johor
Ruler, Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar, who opened up the state by inviting the
Chinese, Indians, and Javanese people to come here all those years ago.
“He described these various
communities not as pendatang but as guests of the state
where Sultan Abu Bakar gave them land for them to practise commerce, faith and
culture without any obstacles,” he added.
He added that all Johor Sultans
including the current Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had always
promoted unity among the people.
“Through the visions of our Sultans
in emphasising on unity, there will never be any racial problems in Johor,” he
said.
MB Slams Dr M for Johor Remark
The
Star/Friday, 26 August 2016
JOHOR BARU: Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin has blasted
former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his claims that Bangsa Johorconcept will divide
Malaysians.
He pointed out that the sentiments of
Johor nationalism did not in any way threaten to break up the Federation.
“Johor will continue to support its
close relationship with the Federal Government.
“However, the relationship between
Johor and the Federal Government should be interpreted in the spirit of
partnership rather than a unitary,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said this in a
statement when responding to Dr Mahathir’s claim that parochialism, including Bangsa Johor concept would divide Malaysians, which
could also result in the breakup of the Federation.
He added that Bangsa Johor was a state political identity that
leads towards unity and goodwill among the multiracial society here.
Mohamed Khaled said the concept
called for consensus of all races where it united all community, faith and
heritage under one state identity based upon harmony, understanding and
tolerance.
“A united Bangsa Johor will not only
make the state and its people better but would strengthen Malaysia as a
Federation,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled said that as early as
the 1920s, Johor second Ruler Almarhum Sultan Sir Ibrahim had introduced and
implemented the concept of Bangsa Johor.
“This is proof that the term and
usage of Bangsa Johor have been established before
independence and way before the creation of Malaysia,” he said.
“To Tun Dr Mahathir, I hope he will
not make comments about things he is not an expert on and do appreciate and
understand the meaning behind it.
“We, in Johor, will continue to be
proud in defending all heritage and concept that have successfully united all rakyat in the state for many years,” he said.
In Putrajaya, Multimedia and
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Keruak said the state’s usage of
the term Bangsa Johor was something that had been practised for a long time.
“The term does not affect the
relations between Malaysians from different states,” he told reporters after
attending the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Enterprise Business Showcase here.
The
Star/Nation Tuesday, 21 May 2013
In this Cafe Latte chat, we bring
together Labis MP Datuk Chua Tee Yong, social entrepreneur and founder of
Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd Anas Zubedy, Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran and
PKR central committee member Latheefa Koya to discuss national unity and what
are the best ways to move forward as a nation. The chat was moderated by Star
online editor Philip Golingai.
Philip: What is your take on National Unity?
Rajiv: I think there is definitely room for improvement. Definitely, we
can work towards ensuring that the society feels Malaysian and they will also
not feel the gap between other races. I think the Government can do more for
the people to gel as rakyat.
Anas: I
think we are treading on thin ice. It has been going on for the past five
years; I think we have been hurtful to each other. As a nation we are wounded
and I feel both sides (Opposition and Government) feel so too. Why they feel
wounded, it’s a secondary thing. Everybody is “kecilhati”. If we don’t handle
this, it will be even worse. I’ve even received things that have not been
published, which is hurtful. We should calm things down.
Latheefa: I totally agree that we are walking on thin ice but I think it’s easy to
say that both sides are hurt. One side is attacking the other! Most obvious is
Utusan where they mentioned ApaCinaMahu?. No action has been taken and it is
obvious that the media is being used by the ruling party. If it’s still there,
we can’t talk about national unity.
Tee Yong: May 5 is over. For national reconciliation to happen, we ourselves have
to work for it. After the election process, we have to accept the results. I
think the opposition is clearly saying things without looking at themselves. If
you look at their cybertroopers, the hate message they are spreading is bad.
They threaten and attack people who support the Government. Both sides should
acknowledge that the elections are over. They have the right to send the
petitions, likewise for BarisanNasional. Things like this, you have due
process. The rallies are not helping. We have to wait for another five years
for elections to come.
Anas: We
have to diagnose the situation. We should look at our education policy and
economic policy. Should we continue to look at race based politics and
religious based politicians? We need to look at all these things. Politicians
will look at things right now but I think they should look at what transpired
in the past too. Let’s look at the real issues, what has been happening for the
past 14-15 years.
Latheefa: For example who? Don’t simply say things without evidence.
Tee Yong: If you look at websites and pages on Facebook being created that support
DAP or PKR most of them are in Mandarin and show so much hate against BN. The
amount of videos they have generated are immense. If you look at these GE13
results, we lost 96% of the seats with at least 40% majority Chinese seats
around Malaysia. We lost their votes.
LatheefaKoya: 96% Chinese voters or urban voters?
Tee Yong: 96% of Chinese voters that were in areas with 40% majority of
Anas: If you guys (Pakatan) are saying that there is no Chinese tsunami,
you’re lying. If you guys (Barisan_ are saying that there is no urban tsunami,
you’re lying. Forth line of unity is not about race, but it’s also urban and
non-urban. The fact is that both sides feel that there is no urban tsunami or
Chinese tsunami, please sit back and research on the results. I speak hokkien
and I’ve been to Penang, the Chinese were organizing themselves for the last
3-4 years for a change.
The fact is there is an element of
Chinese tsunami and urban tsunami. You guys want to fight it over, it’s your
right but as a non-politician, most of us feel that it was a Chinese and urban
tsunami
Tee Yong: Umno won 79 out of 88 parliament seats. Gerakan and MCA performed badly.
Like what Zubedy is saying, I acknowledge that urban votes were also a factor
but the Chinese swing was also there. For examples seats in Tebrau and Bachok,
there have been swings. Both sides had their strategy but the opposition plan
worked and they managed to get the votes. Personally, the term of Chinese
tsunami to me is hurting especially after it was announced right after the
results. People could not take it and they say whatever that comes into the
mind first. We should analyse based on facts and not be too emotional about it.
We also have to do a proper study when it comes to the results.
LatheefaKoya: When you say its Chinese tsunami and urban tsunami, what do you mean by
that? It’s because if you say it’s a Chinese tsunami then the group of people
who supported is overwhelming Chinese support which is also the urban support.
To say it’s both Chinese and urban tsunami, it’s because they have access of
information and have options to choose. In terms of Sabah, Sarawak and rural
areas- they lack information.
We had a strategy or not, we had no
access to media. It was a complete unfair field. You fly in via helicopter; we
still go by boats to go into the area. You have to have some basis to say this.
It depends back on what is our policy and constitution. This whole national
unity discussion has been going on for years. The way it has been latched on,
we do not have the same level playing field
Anas: I think parties should stop pointing at each other and look at their own
flaws. In order to move forward, this is the best solution. Any party that says
that they’re not making any mistakes, they’re lying to themselves.
Tee Yong: Question is, how we move forward, we have to accept that the elections
are over. What is important, in these five years, how do we maintain our unity
and don’t implode. Some people disagree with the results and the opposition has
been talking about popular vote. In this country, we have been using the
first-past-the-post system for many years. It’s like a badminton game.
Latheefa: Tilted a bit lah.
Tee Yong: This is the first-past-the-post system. There is no perfect election
system. Even in the United Kingdom, they face the same problem. So, there is a
problem. What needs to be done, it needs to be looked at and we should find
ways to solve it. If Pakatan is sending the petition, I feel that is the right
decision to make, I feel it’s correct. When you file petition, they still cast
their doubts. BarisanNasional also faced the same problems, but we accepted the
results.
Philip: Idealistically, what is national unity? What kind of world
Malaysia would see?
Latheefa: A wonderful world. Glimpses of unity have been witnessed in many
ways. Some of us yearn for this. For me, it’s not an issue about going to
vernacular schools, for me if you provide proper national schools. Most
national schools have become more one race based and more the policies have
turned into Malay centric policy. Non-Malay kids have felt left out. I come
from a mixed school, I remember not being reminded of my race. However, kids
are now facing discrimination, they were questioned. If you want to talk about
national unity, don’t attack vernacular schools but go after what the teachers
have been fed.
Philip: Ideally, according to you, we should be seeing each other as
Malaysians?
Latheefa: Of course, yes! I think we have the potential to do it. For
example, so many people have rallied and there were no racial incidents in
these rallies. We can do it! I don’t think because they go to vernacular
schools, they are separated. It’s because some of us prefer being in our own
world. We are all living separately right now and it doesn’t help with racial
politics.
Anas: We can put 100% Chinese in our Cabinet and they think for all
Malaysians. I think we have to work on that. The Cabinet was recently announced
and we still talk about how many Malay, Indian and Chinese ministers. Whether
you’re from a particular race, you have to think for all Malaysians. I think
that’s the ideal way of coining things. That’s the dream now! On schools, the
teachers are saying hurtful things and we have to look into this. We have to
look into our education policy. I disagree with kids that are being separated
into different vernacular schools. We really have to look into our education
policy.
Philip: To summarise, you feel that leaders should be leaders for
Malaysians?
Anas: Yes,
they should think for all and for the betterment of Malaysia.
Rajiv: I said it in the very beginning; everyone feels Malaysian, and everyone
walking on the street feeling Malaysian. If they don’t feel Malaysian, that’s
where you see problems coming. I don’t necessarily feel that single school
system is the way forward. There are lots of other things that we need to deal
with. Let’s have leaders of both sides feel Malaysian and speak for all
Malaysians, think for all Malaysians and implement policies for all Malaysians.
Tee Yong: To me what has happened now is the trend. I send my kids to Chinese
school because of the economic factor. Now I believe that there are more
non-Chinese kids coming into Chinese schools. It has increased from 15% to 16%.
For me, the key is improving the education system. We are not an assimilated
society, we are somehow still mosaic.
Rajiv: Then perhaps you can explain the gap between national and Chinese
schools?
Tee Yong: Probably some of the non-Chinese believe that the economic side of it is
important. What is more important is that education system is dwindling and
that’s the reason why we didn’t score so well in math and science. I think
that’s why the education blueprint was implemented recently. Besides education,
I also agree that if we want to move forward, number one, during this period of
after election, there will be a period of politicking.
Probably we need a bipartisan
standing from both sides to resolve certain issues. All this while, under BN,
they have always had 2/3 majority before the 2008 elections. I think two party
systems have their merits and their check and balance. In federal, it shouldn’t
be overwhelmingly one sided because as a growing society, different people have
different needs. I think it’s best to have representation from both sides and
to throw out ideas and give challenges to both sides. This will ensure
improvement for them. Ultimately, what we hope is to build a better country.
That is something we should acknowledge.
Philip: Is it a class thing? Do you think the middle class, working class
or any class have a different mindset when it comes to national unity?
Latheefa: In a way, it is. You’re in a setting where you’re in a school
where you communicate in English and watch American shows The middle class will
have access to other parts, share information to each other more and be open to
things. One should not be mistaken that the overwhelming support to Pakatan is
because we were united to go against corruption. In other words, they are not
rejecting BarisanNasional because Umno is Malay but they are rejecting it
because it equates to corruption. This is how we sold ourselves. Never before,
Pakatan Rakyat has said let’s reject BN because it’s Umno Melayu. It’s a
mixture of class issue and other pressing matters too.
Tee Yong: I think we shall just answer it in a simple way. When we go overseas and
interview students, they will always find for Malaysian friends first. There is
the tendency where birds of the same feather, flock together. So, sometimes
it’s because of the same wavelength. It’s not just class but other factors. I
think it’s because of the cost of living, issue of corruption and crime and
economic factors. It’s a mixed bag. A lot of analysis still needs to be done.
We have to look strategies to get the certain voters. I think at this current
juncture, it’s not confined to one class that supports which side.
Rajiv: I don’t think it’s a class thing. I came from a public university; it
opened my eyes that peninsular Malaysia had four races. Among the English
speaking Malay, Chinese and Indian students, they have no problem mingling with
each other. It probably comes up to language, not so much class. Across all
language, the income levels vary but it doesn’t come to class. It probably
comes up to language.
Anas: We
have to agree that it’s nothing wrong to be racial. In Malaysia, we don’t want
to erase this. Being Malaysian is a citizenship. I think it’s a good thing.
It’s nothing wrong if you say you’re Chinese. Actually, there are small
splinter of people who prime for class. Whether we like it or not, they’re just
being racial. By natural tendency, we tend to mix with our own people.
If we start early, we should
socialize our kids and see each of them like themselves. We should decide what
language to talk. Decide our lingua franca. In the next 15-20 years, we should
plan to have one stream schools. It’s not a class issue, its natural tendency.
Latheefa: If you just have a fair policy, it will naturally happen. For
example; an Indian kid doesn’t get an IC - that creates resentment. Why are
such policies still there? If you have clear discriminatory policy, things will
never change.
Philip: How do we move forward?
Anas: You
can join me in a Healing Malaysia campaign where both parties can call a truce
from HariMerdeka to Hari Malaysia, no politics, no arguing. In the long term,
we have to diagnose the whole issue – economy, political and education. Do a
real study and look what has happened. It should be done by an independent
body.
Rajiv: Saying something nice is not a bad thing but it’s a good thing.
Not only the people, but the leaders should also do that. That’s where it
starts. There should also be a distinction. Just because you have to say
something nice, that doesn’t mean that you’ve stop speaking. You need to speak
up to injustice. It may not be pleasant or fluffy but it’s injustice and people
have to recognise that. People on top have to set the right tone.
Tee Yong: When reading about Healing Malaysia, it’s a great thing. First
things first, we should stop resending or reposting any racist remarks. We have
to ignore them! At the end of the day, there comes a time where there is a
better future for my children. I do not want constant politicking to the extent
that there is no reconciliation.
We have to move forward and avoid
problems. What is important is that we let the election results speak for
itself. At this juncture, people may be saying hurtful words to each other and
I think we should all avoid that. It will create anxiety and having Healing
Malaysia will help unite the people. For long term changes, I agree with Anas.
We live in a democratic society and we will always go through changes. When
society changes, there will be adjustments.
Latheefa: In order to move forward and heal Malaysia, you can’t pretend that
there is always a thing that allows it to happen. As long as there are
discriminatory and unfair policies and also media restrictions, I don’t think
we can heal properly. We’ve got to give the right medicine; we’ve got to
diagnose the situation properly. In order to move forward, dismantle those
things first. We should pretend that it’s a fluff. To me, it’s not about
politics, let’s be real about it. I came from human rights background; I’ve got
lots of cases about discriminatory issues. We have to look into all this in
order to move forward.
Background of panelists
Rajiv Rishyakaran (Bukit Gasing
Assemblyman)
A former MPSJ councilor, Rajiv
Rishyakaran contested for GE13 as DAP’s candidate for Bukit Gasing. Having
served three terms with MPSJ, he triumphed in a crowded field that included BN
candidate Juan Sei Chang and independents MakKhuinWeng and Simon Lee. He once
served as the assistant for SubangJaya assemblywomen, Hannah Yeoh.
Latheefa Koya (PKR central committee
member)
LatheefaKoya is the member of Parti
Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s central committee. A lawyer by profession, she is also
actively involved with Lawyers of Liberty, a human rights and law reform group
based in Malaysia.
Datuk Chua Tee Yong (MP for Labis,
Johor)
A member of MCA, Datuk Chua Tee Yong
is the Member of Parliament in Labis, Johor. Having joined politics in 2008, he
succeeded his father, Datuk Seri Chua SoiLek for the seat in Labis. Previously
he worked as an accountant and he was also chief financial officer for a
government-linked company. In 2010, he was appointed the Deputy Agriculture and
Agro-based industries minister.
Anas Zubedy (Founder of zubedy (M)
SdnBhd)
Anas Zubedy is well versed with
sales, promotions and brand management. Anas founded zubedy (M) Sdn. Bhd. in
May 1994. In 1995, he branched out into training with a vision to add value to
individuals and organisations through sharing and education. He has consulted
on programs that integrate and unite people.
Unity
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The Star/Jan 15, 2016 - JOHOR BARU: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has urged non-Muslim religious leaders to help keep the
people ...
New Straits Times/Jan 14, 2016 - JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar urged leaders of different religions in the state to
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New Straits Times
Feb 28, 2016 - JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has released a
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Jan 21, 2016 - Work for unity, Sultan of Johor urges religious leaders. It was an auspicious beginning to the
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Malaysia Today/3 hours ago - (The Star) – “And now he talks
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National Unity
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In The News…
Malaysiakini/Dec 19, 2014 - They will put the peninsular to
shame on how to achieve racial unity. Natives enter kitchens of Chinese-owned shops and mingle freely
with ...
Kaieteur News
Oct 17, 2014 - The conversation about national
unity has for many years been
circuitous, and as a result has derailed into debates as to which leaders
were ...
The Star/May 21, 2013 - ... Latheefa Koya to discuss national unity and what are the best ways to
... but the opposition plan worked and they managed to get the votes.
Jun 9, 2014 - Unity is the act of joining together
and working together as a one unit in order to achievecommon goal. When all the people of a
nation join ...
National unity is important because it arises when a country is in crisis, and
government parties who are normally in opposition to each other decide to
work ...
Dec 20, 2015 - BASICS OF INTEGRATION AND NATIONAL
UNITY Unity is a process of ... (d) Cultural
integration achieve unity through cultural programmes.
National Unity is very vital and is the key to Malaysia's success. ... National unity is of utmost importance in achieving peace, stability and wellbeing
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Sep 12, 2015 - i need national unity essay for my exam preparation. ... National unity is a process ofachieving national cohesion, stability,
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Aish HaTorah
Feb 4, 2012 - Get started building unity through kindness. Use the .....
and Shloshim. Bringing the ideas of Jewish mourning into the national spotlight.
Mar 15, 2011 - There are many ways that can be taken to achieve unity among the ... On the
other hand, government policies on national
unity is the nature of ...
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