PM: Lay off race politics
The Star – 21 Feb. 2006
MALACCA: Politicians have been told to steer clear of racial issues as a means to fish for votes because it will jeopardise national unity.  
“Politicians think that harping on racial issues is the way to get votes. It is an easy way, but not a proper one,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.  
“If we continue to play racial politics till a level beyond our control, we will be at the losing end,” he told reporters after launching the Yayasan Gabungan Pelajar Melayu Semenanjung (GPMS) building fund at MITC, Ayer Keroh.  
The RM18mil building to be constructed in Alor Gajah will be a tuition and training centre for students.  
Abdullah stressed that all parties needed to work together to foster stronger racial unity.  
“This is not an easy task, and it will take a long time since the country is made up of various races,” he said.  
Education, he said, was one of the key segments in promoting national unity.  
Abdullah noted that the level of tolerance among Malaysians had improved compared with the old days.  
“One is comfortable with the other; now, we need to enhance cooperation and mingling among the various races.”  
Parents, when educating their children, should not display prejudices toward other races, he said.  
Abdullah also witnessed the presentation of a mock cheque for RM1mil by Datuk Wong Soon Lim, group managing director of Jaymuda Group, for the building fund, received by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam.  
The state government, through its investment wing Yayasan Melaka, contributed RM600,200 to the state education department to conduct motivational courses for students in Malacca.   
Source: The Star | http://thestar.com.my