AS Malaysians celebrate National Day celebration on Monday, calls for a true sense of patriotism and stand together in solidarity with Merdeka spirit has been reverberating since the movement control order.

In its message today, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) urges for greater understanding among different races in Malaysia to build respect and trust by putting the country’s interest first.

“It is this Malaysian greatness that we have to cherish so that the fabric of this social and patriotic cohesion can be enhanced and not dampened or allowed to be hijacked by unscrupulous groups and individuals out to create unrest and disharmony.

“We need to amplify the voice of logic, reasoning and moderation and drown those which are illogical, extreme and fanatical,” said MCCBCHST in a statement.

Stressing that there is no room for extremism or racism in this country, MCCBCHST said the growth and progress of the nation can be strategised through national unity with the spirit of love and patriotism,

MCCBCHST said it would continue to strive towards bridging and connecting citizen towards inter-racial solidarity, mutual religious respect and acceptance so that the society at large, stands strong and tall to face various challenges and tests.

“The slogan of this year’s National day celebration ‘Malaysia Prihatin’ (Malaysia Cares) says it all well, that we have to look out for each other beyond race and religion in order to maintain and enhance a caring society.

“This is exactly what MCCBCHST hopes for and pray that it will not be just a catchy slogan with no meaning or sting. We have to give value to it,” it said. – Bernama, August 28, 2020.