Let us put the dark days of May 13, 1969 forty-nine years firmly behind us and learn the most important lesson of all – the need for perpetual mutual respect, sensitivity, civility and decency among Malaysians even among political foes in our plural society

Today is May 13.

Let us put the dark days of May 13, 1969 forty-nine years firmly behind us and learn the most important lesson of all – the need for perpetual mutual respect, sensitivity, civility and decency among Malaysians even among political foes in our plural society of diverse races, religions, languages and cultures.

Let us not only resolve that our politics should be more decent and civil, minus the lies, fake news and false information so ubiquitous in recent general elections campaign, but such qualities should guide us in every aspect of our national life.

Let us never forget, what whatever our differences, including our political differences, we are first and foremost Malaysians singing a common national anthem of Negaraku.

The 14th General Election has given Malaysians a second opportunity to re-set nation building policies and directions and to forge a new national reconciliation and unity – whether Pakatan Harapan or non-Pakatan Harapan voters and supporters.

Let us begin a new day for Malaysia.

(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, May 13, 2018)