Too much emphasis on race, religion not good: Hiew

Kota Kinabalu: Differences based on race and religion must be thrust into the background in favour of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence.

DAP Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu, Dr Hiew King Cheu, said this healthy pattern of living is especially crucial in a multi-racial society like Malaysia if we want to perpetuate the peaceful atmosphere in the country.

"As our country is advocating and in the thick of building a Malaysian race, too much emphasis on race and religion is not conducive to promoting a Malaysian race as espoused by the nation's leaders," he said at the Christmas Carolling Night at the Foh Sang Township, here, Sunday.

Several hundred people attended the gathering held for the first time by the Office of the Member of Parliament for Kota Kinabalu.

"All of us, regardless or race or religion, aspire to peace. Without peace, there is no joy because joy is derived from peace," Hiew said.

For this reason, the theme of the Christmas gathering was "Peace & Joy".

In the face of the global economic crisis, he said, all the more Malaysians should stay united to counter all the problems stemming from this unfavourable situation.

"Let us not create differences through distinguishing ourselves as Malays, Chinese, Indians and Kadazandusuns, as this may further complicate matters."

Dr Hiew noted that armed conflicts in some parts of the world were invariably due to religious differences - Christianity versus Islam.

He was among the seven Sabahans who received the Ambassador for Peace Award presented by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) which is headquartered in Korea. Its Southeast Asia Chapter Chairman Dr Yoo Chong Young gave away the award here last Saturday.

Also present were former Chief Minister cum Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee and former SAPP People's Development Leader (PKR) Benny Quek.

Among those who entertained the crowd with a repertoire of songs and dances were the DAP Sepanggar and Kapayan carolling groups, and a hot dance troupe, while Santa Claus gave out goodies to children and adults alike.

Daily Express
Sabah
24/12/08