by: Suganthi Suparmaniam
New Straits Times
New Straits Times
The discussion of racial issues today reflects the openness of the government and the people’s maturity and does not indicate a breaking down of ties. Former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam said voices of concern warning that the country was facing a racial crisis were, therefore, baseless.
He was saddened that there were such alarmist views amid the celebration of 50 years of independence.
Musa said these views gave the impression that the historical bond between the races was being tested.
“It appears to give the impression that this country is facing a racial split. There are also indications that politics of fear like that before May 13, 1969 are starting to make their presence felt,” he said in his speech after receiving a honorary Doctor of Political Science degree from Universiti Malaya yesterday.
The doctorate was presented by UM Chancellor Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak at the university’s 46th convocation.
The award was aimed at recognising Musa’s contributions to national and international politics.
Another recipient of a honorary doctorate was former chief justice of India and jurist, Justice P.N. Bhagwati, who was conferred a Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Musa later told reporters that people needed to be reminded of the dangerous trend of the politics of fear or "I am sure that without being aware of it and not knowing about it, we will destroy ourselves or ‘self-destruct’".
He said Malaysians should be thankful for the nation’s multicultural and multiracial character which was a blessing from God to be used constructively.
"But in our determination to criticise and find fault, we should do so on the basis of the spirit of nationalism which means that we are all Malaysians and proud of it," he said.
Musa, 73, graduated from UM in 1958 with a Bachelor’s degree in administration.
On another note, Musa advised older leaders to give way to the younger generation.
"You must always look for talent among the younger generation. You will only appreciate them if you mix with them. I would like to see younger people taking over," he said.
He said whenever someone younger was suggested for specific posts, 60-year-olds were chosen. He said those in their 40s or even 30s should be given preference.
"After all, that is how I got started. Even (former prime minister) Tun Abdul Razak and (former deputy prime minister) Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman started early," he said.
On the fear among some that they would lose their identity if they mixed with people of other races, he said such fears were unfounded.
"I am obsessed with the socialisation of the young of various races. We will not lose our identity or religion by mixing with each other," he said.
On honorary doctorates, he said he had politely declined many as he felt he did not deserve them.
"But when UM offered the award, I just could not decline as I am a graduate of UM. "I accept this award with pride and sentiment," he said.
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