RETIRED members of the security forces have urged political leaders to stop engaging in religious and racial rhetoric, saying it would create societal discord and smear the memory of fallen servicemen.

National Patriots Association president Brig-Gen (R) Mohamed Arshad Raji said his group was formed out of a desire for a better Malaysia “where all its citizens lived in peace and harmony, oblivious to any form of racial and religious discord”.

“We notice that after 60 years of independence, our society is still at a divergence where its leaders talk about race supremacy and religious bigotry. This has to stop henceforth, if we want a truly united and a harmonious Malaysian society,” he told a forum in Kuala Lumpur, today.

The forum was organised by NPA to give civil society a platform to voice their aspirations for the government post-May 9.

“As former members of the security forces, we gave this nation peace and security, and we did that with our lives. We saw many of our comrades fall, their wives widowed and their children left without a father.

“Those were the saddest moments in our lives, and what better way for us to pay back the sacrifices of our fallen comrades than to ensure peace and security for their families and the generations to come?

“And being a member of the security force, we are colour blind. We do not care about the race and religious beliefs of our fallen comrades. They are our brothers and we must care for them,” said Arshad.

NPA, which was formed last May, consists of retired members of the armed forces and the police.

Sisters of Islam, Service Civil International, World Hindu Council, the National Human Rights Society (Hakam), and the Peninsula Malaysia Orang Asli Association were among the 15 groups which spoke today.

DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang briefly visited, but did not speak.

The common theme was the protection of the rights of the citizens, especially minorities, in a multi-ethnic and multi-faith Malaysia.

Outside the forum, a dozen police officers looked on.

“Our members may be retired, and most are past their 60s, frail, but believe you me, their spirit to serve the nation and her people has not withered,” said Arshad. – May 6, 2018.