MIRI: Include other races in activities and programmes.

This advice to the National Unity and Integration Department came from Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Peter Chin yesterday.

The minister gave the advice after noting that most activities and programmes were targeting a certain group.

Speaking at the launch of the state-level My Neighbour My Family Programme at Taman Sri Ladi, Bakam, Chin believed that to unite and foster understanding among the people, it was important for the department to involve other races by incorporating elements of the culture and lifestyle of others.

“I believe the impact and outcome would be far more outreaching rather than concentrating on a certain group only. In a multi-racial society like Malaysia, I truly believe it will help speed up the process of uniting the people,” he said.

Chin believed that despite differences in race and religion, people were able to cooperate and work with each other without prejudice to achieve common goals.

The unity and better understanding among the people would give rise to peace and harmony, which is the basis of the country’s development and progress, he said.

He said the department would ensure that no one was left out by the government.

Meanwhile director of National Unity and Integration Department Datuk Azman Amin Hassan said differences in religion, language and culture were challenges for the department and government in their aim to nurture understanding and unity among the people.

Also present were Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, Lambir assemblyman Aidan Wing and State National Unity and Integration Department director Rajali Mudin.