Rally’s over, now let’s move forward as one, says Rafidah

Former minister says all Malaysians from the government and private sector right down to social organisations and youth have a big role to play in fostering national harmony.

PETALING JAYA: Now that the Malays have got their frustrations “off their chests” after holding the Red Shirts rally to restore their dignity, it is time that all Malaysians, get down to the business of coming together as one to move the nation forward towards 2020.

Grateful that “nothing untoward” took place at yesterday’s rally, save for the firing of water cannons, the former minister of International Trade and Industry said, “…is it not time for all of us to gather our thoughts and think through our way forward…together as Malaysians?”

Also included in her Facebook posting was a detailed multi-pronged effort that involved not just the government but social organisations, those in the private sector as well as the youth of the country.

In her appeal to “Malaysians at large”, she said, “Please let us see each other as Malaysians…do not let acrimony and parochialism destroy the harmony and put unnecessary stumbling blocks and constraints to Malaysia moving forward.”

She appealed to those in government to make national harmony a priority and to go “beyond slogans”.

“…emphasise the fact that we swim and float together or sink together if we don’t unite and work as one”, she said, adding that it was wrong to “play politics” with something as crucial as national unity.

She said social organisations in the country should promote programmes that forged “national oneness and pride” and which instilled the spirit of “Sehati Sejiwa” (One heart, One spirt), the theme of this year’s Merdeka Day.

She also appealed to those in the private sector, whom she described as “drivers and catalysts of Malaysia’s economic growth and development” to continue having confidence in the country and to think “long-term”.

Appealing to youth organisations, she said, “Youths must feel that sense of belonging to Malaysia…to be proud to be Malaysians..especially to be successful Malaysians in any positive endeavour.”

Saying they were the country’s future, Rafidah added that the young today had the benefit of putting things right by offering constructive criticism.

“Criticise but help to provide some solutions and never add on to the problems either by words or actions. We are not talking about individuals, its about the country,” she said.