strengthen national unity

 
KAJANG: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today reminded any group out to destroy the prevailing racial unity in the country to stop their actions as this could hamper national aspirations.
    He said racial unity which was the foundation for harmony in this country
since 54 years ago must be strengthened as a platform to turn Malaysia into a
successful and developed nation by 2020.
    "No group should try to destroy the foundations built on the cooperation and
agreement reached between our past leaders from different races and religions.
    "This racial understanding must be protected and strengthened so that the
aspiration of making Malaysia a role model for other countries can become a
reality soon," he said in his speech at the Malaysia Christmas Open House 2011,
here, today.
    Also present were Muhyiddin's wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman,
Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and
his wife Datin Seri Masnah Rais.
    Muhyiddin said although Malaysian society was multiracial and
multireligious, cooperation could be strengthened if there was greater mutual
respect and love, and spirit of unity among the people in their daily lives.
    He said celebrating the various festivals by all races in this country
should continue as this was an important unifying element.
    He added that the open house event such as today's for the Christmas
celebration and visiting each other's home could help foster understanding and
mutual respect regardless of race, religion and economic background.
    "Malaysia is the only country in the world where all the races join in each
other's festival celebration.
    "This is the special thing about Malaysia and we should protect and maintain
this practice," he said.
    Muhyiddin also stressed that in upholding the principle of social justice
for all races, the government had not deprived any community from enjoying the
fruit of development.
  
    "We have made achievements which we can be proud of at all levels, and no
community is sidelined in developing this country all this while.
    "We are grateful for this, and we believe and are confident that the racial
cooperation can continue with the involvement of leaders at all levels,
including religious leaders.
    "And if we can accept whatever opinion or idea from anyone as long as it is
good for the country, then Malaysia will be able to achieve more success in the
future," he added.
    Rais in his speech said the government under the leadership of Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin always gave
recognition to all traditions and festivals of the people in this country.
    "Each year, the government holds the national-level Aidilfitri, Deepavali,
Christmas and Chinese New Year festivals, and the Tadau Kaamatan in Sabah and
Gawai in Sarawak.
    "This proves that the government always provides the avenue for our
traditions to be recognised and preserved by us all.
    "Let us show to the world that we respect all the traditions and religions
practised in this country," he said.
    -- BERNAMA

by ~ (nstp,27 december 2011)

strengthen national unity

sarawak hardest hit by flood

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The overall situation in the four flood-hit states in the country did not change very much as at 6pm today, with Sarawak still having the highest number of flood victims. 
A total of 7,592 flood victims, involving 1,632 families were evacuated to 20 relief centres in the state so far.
In KUCHING, the spokesman at the state's flood operations room said 20 low-lying areas in four districts in Sarawak were badly affected by the floods which occurred following heavy rains and high-tide phenomenon over the past three days.
"The most affected areas are in Kampung Simpok in Kuching involving 1,610 residents, Sadong Jaya in Samarahan (1,302), Ulu Balingian in Sibu (424) and Pantu in Sri Aman (74)," he said.
The spokesman also anticipated that the number of flood victims would continue to rise later tonight.

In SANDAKAN, a spokesman at the Sandakan Municipal Council's flood operations room said the number of flood victims evacuated to relief centres as at 5pm had increased to 351 as compared to 194 recorded at 9am.
He said 101 families from Kampung Gum-Gum had also been evacuated to Dewan Sri Gum-Gum.
In BELURAN, Kampung Pinampadan in Paitan had also been inundated by flood waters, but none of the residents were evacuated as at 6pm.
The residents in Kampung Tangkarason, Tanjung Nipis and Simpangan had also been alerted to be prepared for evacuation if the water level at the main river in the village continue to rise to the danger level.

In ROMPIN, the number of flood victims sheltered at relief centres in the district dropped slightly to 567 people as compared to 619 this morning.
A spokesman at the Rompin police headquarters flood operations room said the relief centre in Dewan Teluk Gading was closed at 3.30pm after the remaining 52 flood victims returned to their home today.
He said 430 victims were still being sheltered at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pianggu, while 137 others at SK Sarang Tiong.
"They still have to take shelter at the relief centres as the high-tide phenomenon still persist in their villages," he said when contacted here.
Among the villages badly affected by the phenomenon were Kampung Sarang Tiong, Kampung Pianggu, Kampung Setajam and Kampung Garung.

In JOHOR, a total of 1,177 flood victims were still being sheltered at relief centres in three districts in the state as compared to 1,214 this morning.
According to the National Security Council's website, the victims were sheltered at 17 relief centres, eight of which were in Segamat, six in Mersing and three in Batu Pahat.
The road to Kampung Orang Asli Peta in the Endau Rompin National Park, which was cut off due to flooding earlier, is now accessible to all vehicles.  -- BERNAMA

by ~(nstp,27 december 2011)
sarawak hardest hit by floods