IN conjunction with the National Unity Month, it is necessary for us to be reminded that unity is a priceless gift that must be preserved by all Malaysians in a multi-racial country like ours.

Every Malaysian should be fully committed in promoting a culture of peace and harmony.

To ensure this, we need more activities at the grassroots level to strengthen interaction among the various ethnic groups.

Much has been said about promoting unity but much more remains to be done to enhance, sustain and encourage close bonding among Malaysians of diverse races. It is a continuous process and must be given the highest priority.

The work of fostering unity should begin in the schools, from kindergartens to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions of learning where efforts can be made to instil the values of harmony and unity.

In this regard, I suggest that the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry and the Education Ministry discuss ways in which lessons on unity and racial integration among students of diverse races can be taught in our schools and be put into daily practice.

Fostering unity should also begin in the neighbourhood for that is where the diversity of people and their values are situated.

It is necessary for Mal-aysians to put aside their fears, distrust and prejudices against each other for the common good of all.

We need more tolerance, understanding and respect for each other to achieve unity.

Unity is also a question of attitude. It comes from within oneself and from the heart, despite all said.

Unity cannot be achieved through legislation. It has to come voluntarily.

The people must act rationally and be sensitive to the fact that Malaysia is a multiracial nation.

Interracial harmony and unity are of paramount importance in a multiethnic society like ours.

Malaysia was forged out of diversity and through the spirit of give and take, compromise and consensus.

The Federal Constitution, which guarantees the rights of the ethnic groups, and the Rukunegara, serve as the guide for nation building and have been accepted by all Malaysians since we attained independence.

Source: NST – May 30, 2008