GOVT CALLS ON M'SIANS TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT & EASE TENSION IN THE COUNTRY

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- The government has called on Malaysians to move forward and exercise restraint to ease the tension in the country resulting from some fiery statements by certain politicians and commentators over the past fortnight.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said there was an urgent need for Malaysians to come together and work together for the benefit of the nation through greater tolerance and harmony.

"This country belongs to all of us together...we must not fan the flames of
emotion," he told a media briefing at his office here Tuesday. Present was the
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Ismail Omar.

Syed Hamid conceded that the government was concerned about the "delicate
situation" in the country as far as race relations were concerned following
strong views put forward by certain people.

He said the present environment was not a pleasant one and it felt as if
"we have forgotten that we are Malaysians."

"We must get out of this present situation, let us try to contain it, " he
said.

Syed Hamid said that public order in the country might be in jeopardy if
the
situation got out of hand.

"Let us embrace each other's feelings," he said, stressing the importance
for Malaysians of different races to see each other's point of view.

Syed Hamid said Malaysians must act with restraint on the issue of race
relations and should stress the well-being of the country through greater
tolerance and harmony.

Malaysians, he said, had overcome many difficulties in the past by acting
rationally and responsibly.

The police were watching the situation and would act if necessary, he
added.
-- BERNAMA