M'sia can close gap with S'pore, so that M'sians need not study & work overseas: M'sia minister

Malaysia can close the gap with Singapore in terms of its finances and strength, and its citizens will return to work in their home country instead, Malaysia's Deputy National Unity Minister R Yuneswaran said on Feb. 9.

His comments at the Malaysia Book of Records submission ceremony was reported by Shin Chew Daily.

Yuneswaran said: "We hope that our children can work, study and live in Malaysia in the future, instead of having to go abroad to work or study."

Context of comment

His comments came as he said the current Malaysia government, led by prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, is committed to social progress by growing the economy and helping the poor, as well as enabling all children to receive an education.

In his address, the minister said Malaysians living overseas, including those working in Singapore, will eventually have the opportunity to return to their homeland and contribute to the country, as long as Malaysia continues to make progress.

Malaysians cannot be divided

Yuneswaran also said Malaysia is a country that belongs to all its citizens, regardless of ethnicity or language, and they are part of the country's unique culture.

All groups should respect one another's religions, cultures, and customs, he added.

Enphasising Malaysia's unique cultural diversity as its strength, he said: "If we want our country to progress, we must unite. No country can prosper when its people are divided, nor can any country become strong when its people are divided."

He also said he believed that as long as Malaysians helped one another, the country will be on a firm footing.

He pointed out that Chinese, Indians, Malays, and indigenous people from Sarawak have long lived together in Malaysia, and the people should unite to avoid disrupting the harmony of the country.

Yuneswaran is a member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), also known as People's Justice Party, a component party known for being multiracial in composition and outlook.

PKR is part of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.

Top photos via Yuneswaran Ramaraj Facebook