JOHOR BARU: Racial sentiments, narrow understanding of religion and parochialism will only lead to disunity and sew the seeds of hatred among the people.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said such traits must always be discarded by all segments of society if we wanted to save the country from ruin.
"Racial sentiments and a narrow understanding of religion will not bring about any blessing, and they neither unite the brotherhood of man nor will they elevate our position. These things will only bring about discord and sew the seeds of hatred.
"It is the same with parochialism, or estremist views based on an area or state. We cannot allow ourselves to say,'Our state is the best' while hating other states.
"Ladies and gentlemen, save our country. Our forefathers had served to unite the various races since the time of Malaya until the formation of Malaysia and their efforts had involved various races. We must defend this," said Anwar after launching the national-level 2024 Unity Week celebration at Dataran Angsana Johor Baru Mall tonight.
Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi; National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Anwar also urged the younger generation to take up the responsibility of upholding unity and defending the peace.
"It is the responsibility of youths. The younger generation cannot to take this matter lightly because a country can rise due to the spirit of unity, and a country can also fall due to division and racial discord.
"Learn from now. This (our multiracial and multireligious country) is our strength."