(Sept 17): Putrajaya needs to prioritise national harmony and not allow narrow politics to dictate its national agenda, said former Umno minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, as she reminded the Barisan Nasional-led federal government to focus on steering Malaysia towards developed nation status.

Writing on her Facebook page, she expressed relief that yesterday's "red shirt" rally in Kuala Lumpur went on without much incident, except when riot police sprayed chemical-laced water on a group of rowdy rally goers who attempted to breach police barricades to gain access to Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.

"Now that people have got what irks them out of their hair, off their chests and have somewhat been able to get rid of whatever 'geram' they might have, is it not time for all of us to gather our thoughts and think through our way forward, together as Malaysians.

"We need to do this as a multipronged effort of all who want to see Malaysia continue to move forward successfully ... towards 2020 and beyond," she said.

The former International Trade and Industry minister also listed what the government, social organisations, private sector, youths and youth organisations and Malaysians can do to achieve the target of a developed united nation.

For the government, she listed six points including putting in place serious efforts to galvanise political and community leaders to prioritise national harmony and not allowing narrow politics to jeopardise the interest of all.

She also said there is a need to go beyond slogans and instead, emphasise unity.

"Emphasise on the fact that we swim and float together or sink together if we don't unite and work as one.

"To speak to each other and not at odds with each other or against each other ... And never to play politics with something  as crucial as national unity and to govern only for the sake of the people and country," she said.

In her message to social organisations, Rafidah who is widely known and admired for her steely demeanour, said programmes which dismantle social and other barriers should be continued, as well as those with forge national oneness and pride.

She also suggested that there be special outreach efforts to the young so that they can be instilled with the “sehati sejiwa” spirit to place the nation first.

"Make national unity and national interest the end objective of each effort ... be it Gotong Royong to eradicate dengue or programmes to help cancer victims and survivors, where race or creed is of no consequence," she said.

As for the private sector, the former Wanita Umno chief said as the catalyst of Malaysia's economic growth, they should continue to have confidence in the country.

"Think over the long term, not the aberrations that tarnish our image at some point or other. Malaysia is full of promise and potential.

“Stay the course with us, and continue to reap the benefits in the future. Malaysians are, by and large, diligent and responsible people and our young are dependable,” she said.

In her message to youths and youth organisations, Rafidah said the younger generation has to feel a sense of belonging in the country and proud to be Malaysian.

"Not everything you see being done is right but youths have the time to put things right, to learn from past mistakes and not to repeat them.

"Continue to add value to our country in whatever you do ... so cumulatively it all becomes Malaysia's successes.

"Criticise by all means but it must be constructive criticism with no malice and ill intent. Criticise but help to provide some solutions and never add on to the problems either by words or actions.

"We are not talking about individuals ... it's about the country. Youths are Malaysia's future, make it a better future than what it is now," she said.

As for other Malaysians, Rafidah pleaded with them to see each other as Malaysians and not to allow acrimony and parochialism destroy the harmony.

She also urged them not to place unnecessary stumbling blocks and constraints to Malaysia's journey to move forward as planned by past leaders.

"Let us show the world that Malaysians are peace loving and are caring people. We care for our own Malaysians as we do also for the unfortunate peoples elsewhere, who have lost their homelands due to civil strife and sectarian conflicts and non acceptance of their diversities and inability to live in unity within diversity," she added. – The Malaysian Insider