Racial unity can overpower incitement, provocation
As a pluralistic country with a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, we need to understand each other.
SHAH ALAM - A strong bond of racial unity can overpower incitement and provocation by those who pursue partisan, business and personal interests.
Stability and Accountability Project for Malaysia (SAMA Project) Convenor Ngeow Chow Ying said racial issues cannot be avoided, however, as a pluralistic country with a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, we need to understand each other.
She said society needed to be mature in dealing with the issue of sensitivity between races in this country so that it could maintain the existing harmony.
"Living in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, we cannot completely avoid or prevent incidents from happening to one community or another.
"In order to avoid hostilities from continuing, we need to build emotional resilience so as not to 'lose' to provocations or incitement from various parties.
"A mature society knows how to heal the pain and prevent the escalation of conflict," she said in a reaction to the #MZB365 campaign on Sunday.
In the meantime, Ngeow said the practice of asking for forgiveness could build peace, reduce hostility and strengthen bonds of friendship.
She said by closing the space of hatred, it could stop the violence that could divide every race in this country.
"Therefore, the practice of asking for forgiveness and the act of forgiving others is important for social harmony and political stability.
"We are very proud to continue this good campaign with civil society and our media partners.
"To all Malaysians who love peace, let's join the #MZB365 campaign together," she said.
