Multiracial society symbol of Malaysia's strength: Maicci president

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians, co-existing peacefully despite being multiracial and multireligious, is a prime symbol of national unity, 60 years on since Independence, according to Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Maicci) president, Tan Sri Dr K. Kenneth Eswaran.
He said such a unique diversity should be celebrated, and a feature to be proud of.
"When Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak became prime minister, he introduced the 1Malaysia concept. Why? Because that's our strength as Malaysians. We are the people of Malaysia who are from different races, cultures, and religions.

"We want this harmony to be fostered among primary school children so that they can understand and appreciate the importance of preserving the peace and prosperity of the nation, as well as inspire the spirit of independence," he said at a press conference after officiating at the Merdeka Month celebration at SK Segambut, here, today.
Kenneth said the 104-year-old SK Segambut was chosen by Maicci to celebrate the event, as it was a school attended by pupils among the B40 group.
The B40 group refers to households with an average monthly income of below RM3,860.00 and poor households with monthly income below the national poverty line, that is, RM950 per month.
Earlier, Kenneth distributed the Jalur Gemilang to the schoolchildren who attended the event clad in national flag-themed attire.
The spirit of independence was evident on the faces of the children, as they sang patriotic songs including Tanggal 31 and  Jalur Gemilang, while waving the national flag.
SK Segambut headmistress, Teo Mei Choo said the Jalur Gemilang-themed clothing was the result of the contributions and creative ideas from the school's parent-teacher association, as well as parents and students.
She added that teachers in the school also joined hands by sewing 60 national flags to produce a giant Jalur Gemilang.
Malaysia will celebrate its 60th Independence Day on Aug 31 with the theme, "Negaraku Sehati Sejiwa" (My Country, One Heart, One Soul). — Bernama