KOTA KINABALU: Knowing one's role in preserving Malaysia's peace and harmony is the way to stop racial and religious extremism, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

Malaysians would thus also be able to prevent attempts to disrupt harmony and fuel racism for personal gain, the Sabah Deputy Chief Minister added on Thursday (Sept 15).

In a statement in conjunction with Malaysia Day this Friday (Sept 16), he said Malaysians need to understand that unity among races, social harmony and national integration are more than just the building blocks of peace and prosperity in the country.

They also lend to our strength as a people when facing challenges, he noted.

He said this year’s national month theme of "Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama" (the Malaysia Family is strong together) should be widely understood and appreciated.

“This (allows) for smoother implementation of infrastructure development, education, economic development, communication and basic amenities although there is still much to be done.

“We must change the mentality of some Malaysians who still do not understand the importance and significance of Malaysia Day,” he said, in urging young Malaysians especially to read up on the history of the federation and what led to its formation.

In this way, he said, negative sentiments cannot be easily sowed in their hearts and minds, elements that could hurt the country's sovereignty in the long run.

“The youth... are very much needed to ensure the continuation of national development agendas,” he said, adding that it was important to instil a spirit of patriotism and high moral values among the youth.