KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia could face the risk of economic downturn and social discord among the various Malaysian races, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
The Sabah Parti Solidariti Tanah Air (Star) president said he was concerned that Malaysians were already displaying signs of division in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s support for the Palestinian cause in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
“While supporting Palestine is not wrong, I would appeal for careful balance and caution to avoid undue ramifications on the interracial and interreligious relations in our pluralistic Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
Jeffery also called on federal leaders to take a sober approach to the Middle East conflict and step back to calm the wild rhetoric.
“Let’s remember that the Madani principle is built on six core values, namely sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion, part of a comprehensive strategic framework that is aimed at growth and development to be attained through a larger context of the humane economy that prioritises the needs of the people.
“PMX (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) had said that Malaysia must be known as a Madani nation that is prosperous, fair and rejects any form of cruelty towards any individual or race. It must be a nation that is known for its renewed spirit.
“Because of that we were in high spirits seeing that our new PM has the all-encompassing extraordinary wisdom and vision.
“I believe our PMX still holds on to the high ideals for a prosperous Malaysian nation and that he will advise the education ministry to withdraw directives to involve school children in the pro-Palestinian campaign, “he said.
The Keningau member of parliament also said that because the issue was still being whipped up, Malaysia may have already harmed its reputation and international relations with the West and was now in danger of losing trade relations, which would lead to a decline in foreign direct investments.
“Such developments would be massive economic losses with dire consequences for the already struggling Malaysian economy.”
Source : The Straits Times