Bangsa Malaysia stems from a state of mind, says Najib

Bangsa Malaysia stems from a state of mind, says Najib

By : Deborah Loh

26 May, 2008

PUTRAJAYA: Bangsa Malaysia will become a reality when Malaysians relate to each other on the basis of nationality rather than race or religion, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Najib, who was speaking at the launch of National Unity Month 2008 yesterday, said Bangsa Malaysia did not require a homogenous society.

"We can realise Bangsa Malaysia in our minds by looking at another person as Malaysian and not based on his skin colour, race or religion.

"In practice, this means we choose friends not on the basis of their race or religion but on the strength of their character.

"If we help someone, it is because that person truly needs help. We can do this in our daily life, whether in politics, as a government administrator or in the private sector."
He said adopting a Bangsa Malaysia outlook towards fellow citizens was a process and expressed the hope that this would become "normal" for Malaysians in the future.

While racial unity appeared to be growing stronger, he said Malaysians needed to be reminded not to question racial matters that were protected by the Federal Constitution.

"If we want to raise issues, it should be done in a respectful manner so as not to hurt the feelings of others."