TRDI

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 4 - Terengganu Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar has reminded that a leader is not elected to safeguard the interests of one race alone, but carries a responsibility to serve all citizens regardless of background.

Ahmad Samsuri said race relations in the country are now at a stage that requires serious attention.

He said the situation should not be taken lightly when there are signs that ties among communities are slowly becoming strained and drifting apart in silence.

“Today, race relations in our country appear to be at a worrying crossroads, and at times, seem to be growing distant and quietly drifting apart,” he said.

Ahmad Samsuri said the multiracial society inherited by the country is a great blessing from God.

However, he reminded that this blessing must be managed wisely so that racial diversity does not turn into a source of division.

“We must believe that the multiracial society we have inherited is an incomparable blessing from God.

“However, without wise management, it can turn into a disaster, as seen in other countries where social harmony has been destroyed, including nations that champion democracy and human rights,” he said.

He said the experience of other countries should serve as a reminder that harmony in a multiracial society cannot be taken for granted, nor can it be preserved without effort and wisdom.

According to Ahmad Samsuri, racial differences are not a threat to the country if they are managed fairly, maturely and responsibly.

At the same time, he stressed that the mandate of leadership demands that a leader be fair to all citizens, not only to certain groups.

“We must also remember that we were elected to be leaders for all people, not only for the Malays, but for all races including the Chinese, Tamils, Kadazans, Ibans, Bidayuhs and others,” he said.