KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 ― Special adviser to the Malaysian Government on socio-cultural matters Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim stressed that only the education system is capable of strengthening unity among the various races in the country.

In this regard, he said students of various races should study in the same school from their early years to foster the feeling of unity and harmony among the races. 

"I have to stress that separate education will bring conflict against one another.                    

"So, the Education Ministry and the National Unity and Integrity Department should quickly ensure the aspects of schooling which have Malay, Chinese and Indians in it,” he said in a dialogue programme themed Strenghtening Unity aired over RTM1 here last night. It was hosted by Shuhaimi Mohamed. 

Rais said the spirit of love for the country would not succeed if it was in formal forms such as official events. 

"Love for the country and loving unity need to be stated clearly and based on harmony. For example, respect and caring for friends of various races,” he said.  

He proposed that the National Unity and Integration Department be further empowered to enhance unity.  

"In my view the department now is small. We need to have a unity ministry so that we can be bold in implementing social ingredients more effectively. ― Bernama