LEE LAM THYE PROPOSES SETTING UP NATIONAL HARMONY COMMISSION

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- National unity advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has proposed the establishment of a National Harmony Commission as an independent statutory body to safeguard and strengthen inter-ethnic and interfaith harmony in the country.

He said Malaysia’s diversity has long been the nation’s greatest strength, but recent incidents involving racial and religious sensitivities, both online and offline, highlight the need to reinforce efforts to protect national unity.

“As a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural nation, we have long prided ourselves on our ability to live together in peace, mutual respect and shared prosperity,” he said in a statement today.

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However, Lee cautioned that such sensitivities, if not addressed carefully, could undermine the foundations of national unity.

“In recent years, we have witnessed increasing instances of racial and religious sensitivities being tested both online and offline, which, if left unchecked, may erode the very foundation of our national unity,” he said.

Lee said the proposed commission could serve as an early intervention mechanism to monitor trends, mediate disputes and address grievances before they escalate into larger conflicts.

The commission could also facilitate structured interfaith and intercultural dialogue, promote community-based initiatives and advise the government on policies involving sensitive matters related to race, religion, language and education.

He added that the establishment of such a body should be viewed as a proactive step towards strengthening national unity rather than a reaction to crises.

“The establishment of such a commission should not be seen as a reaction to a crisis, but as a proactive step towards nation-building,” he said.

-- BERNAMA