Groups seek new lease of life for 'divide and rule' policy
Published: Sep 1, 2009 11:22 AM | Updated: Sep 1, 2009 1:06 PM
The Raja of Perlis, Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail, is concerned over what he describes as the perpetration of the "divide and rule" policy by certain quarters which can undermine unity among the people.
He said that although these groups were not many, their attempts could have a detrimental effect on the country's efforts to unite the people under the 1Malaysia concept.
The Raja of Perlis is concerned over what he describes as the perpetration of the 'divide and rule' policy by certain quarters.
The Raja of Perlis, Syed Syed Putra Jamalullail, is concerned over what he describes as the perpetration of the "divide and rule" policy by certain quarters which can undermine unity among the people.
He said that although these groups were not many, their attempts could have a detrimental effect on the country's efforts to unite the people under the 1Malaysia concept.
Speaking when launching the state-level 52nd National Day celebrations in Kangar last night, he said, the divide-and-rule policy so effectively used by the colonial power to split the people at one time, had now been given a new lease of life by certain groups to advance their narrow political agenda.
"They are bent on pitting the people against one another, playing up sensitive issues, bringing up religious prejudices and questioning the social contract," he said.
He said that these groups were only thinking of their own self interests without concern for the consequences of their actions over the long term.
Hope for no repeat of May 13
Citing the May 13, 1969 incident as an example, he said, it took a long time to restore harmony among the people in the aftermath of the racial clashes.
"It's like a wound; although healed, you can still see the scar and each time you see it, your heart bleeds," he said.
Expressing the hope that there would not be a repeat of the May 13 incident, the ruler also called on the people to strive to make 1Malaysia a success.
"All races must unite, respect one another and abide by the constitution and the country's law," he said.
He also called on the people to strive towards achieving the government's vision to turn Malaysia into a developed nation by 2020.
"We have about 10 years to go and it is approaching fast," he said.
He also expressed concerns over the pace of development in Perlis, which he said was still lagging behind other states.
- Bernama
He said that although these groups were not many, their attempts could have a detrimental effect on the country's efforts to unite the people under the 1Malaysia concept. Speaking when launching the state-level 52nd National Day celebrations in Kangar last night, he said, the divide-and-rule policy so effectively used by the colonial power to split the people at one time, had now been given a new lease of life by certain groups to advance their narrow political agenda.
"They are bent on pitting the people against one another, playing up sensitive issues, bringing up religious prejudices and questioning the social contract," he said.
He said that these groups were only thinking of their own self interests without concern for the consequences of their actions over the long term.
Hope for no repeat of May 13
Citing the May 13, 1969 incident as an example, he said, it took a long time to restore harmony among the people in the aftermath of the racial clashes.
"It's like a wound; although healed, you can still see the scar and each time you see it, your heart bleeds," he said.
Expressing the hope that there would not be a repeat of the May 13 incident, the ruler also called on the people to strive to make 1Malaysia a success. "All races must unite, respect one another and abide by the constitution and the country's law," he said.
He also called on the people to strive towards achieving the government's vision to turn Malaysia into a developed nation by 2020.
"We have about 10 years to go and it is approaching fast," he said.
He also expressed concerns over the pace of development in Perlis, which he said was still lagging behind other states.
- Bernama
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