Gerakan today urged all parties to take a proactive stance to stand up against extremism and strive collectively towards building a moderate, fair and inclusive environment for everyone in the country.       
 
Its vice-president Asharuddin Ahmad (left) said all citizens are civically bound to uphold the nation as a democratic and peace-loving country through sincere subscription and internalisation of moderation.       
 
"It would be unhealthy for a diverse society like Malaysia to be dictated by extreme voices on all sides," Asharuddin, who is also Gerakan central national unity bureau chairperson, said in a statement in Kuaa Lumpur yesterday.       
 
He was commenting on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Idris Jala's statement recently that moderation can only prevail if more Malaysians are willing to speak up against extremist views.       
 
Asharuddin said it was important that an open, rational and moderate attitude be embraced by all quarters to address the diverse and delicate nature of the Malaysian society.       
 
"We need more well-grounded and moderate voices that could speak up against the extreme antagonists. The best way to approach the multiracial and multi-religious Malaysian society is to celebrate our differences.       
 
"Instead of accusing and attacking each other for their different value and beliefs, we should respect and appreciate the distinctions that make us all Malaysians," he said.       
 
- Bernama