Don't let minor issues affect our unity, Sabahans urged
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that although Sabah does not have major issues related to race and religion, occasional arguments arise.
'These small incidents can affect the harmony of our multicultural and diverse community,' he said when launching the district-level Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) in Tambunan on Sunday (Aug 10).
'We cannot let these incidents (go unchecked... because, if) accumulated and unresolved, they could result in an unhealthy situation and become a more serious matter,' he said.
Kitingan said efforts to preserve and protect the peace and unity in the state have to continue consistently, along with initiatives to boost patriotism.
He said the people must work hard to ensure that the peace and harmony we currently enjoy are preserved and protected for the sake of economic and social development.
He said unity is the core element that keeps this country going strong.
'Therefore, we must work harder and together to keep what we have, so that we can achieve objectives, plans and policies meant for the nation and its people,' he added.
He said programmes such as KMJG are important to spread awareness of the need to stay united and work as a team to achieve greater success.
The KMJG, which started officially on Aug 1, involves a convoy of 20 government and private agencies travelling 2,500km across the state, stopping at 75 checkpoints along the route.
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