PM recommended to hold National Unity Minister portfolio

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been recommended to hold the National Unity Minister portfolio to empower the community under the new government.

Yayasan Perpaduan Malaysia's board of trustees member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a Prime Minister usually held another portfolio such as the Finance or Education Minister.

He said unity was one of the important portfolios and should be given attention to.

"Anwar is known for his famous speech “Malay children, Chinese children, Indian children, Kadazan Dusun children, are all my children”. He is among the figures that is not only accepted by various races, but is also the icon of unity who unites the people.

"Therefore, it is hoped that Anwar will take the right steps to ensure that the government is stable and that there is no division between politicians which could affect the people," he said in a statement on Sunday.

Lee also proposed appointing someone from Sabah or Sarawak to hold the unity portfolio if the Prime Minister wanted to focus on holding a single position.

He added that it was due to the excellent performance of Sabah and Sarawak in managing the people who live in unity.

He said although members of a political party did not deliberately play down sentiments, it could still provoke discord between all parties.

"Laws pertaining to racism should be tightened to control unity in the country.

"Rukun Negara as a basis in the formation of identity as well as the strengthening of unity is a powerful weapon that can be practised in order to successfully unite the people," he said.