PETALING JAYA: In the wake of several issues which have stoked racial and religious tensions, including the brawl at Low Yat Plaza, G25 believes that it is time for the Government to adopt the recommendations by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC).
"The timing and circumstances are right for the Government to seriously consider and adopt the recommendations made in the recent Report by the NUCC, after 20 months of deliberations, including its nine point key outcomes and the proposal to enact a National Harmony Law and to establish a Reconciliation Commission," said G25 in a statement on Thursday.
Among the recommendations by the NUCC were increased levels of consultation between ethnic and religious groups, increased democratic literacy and political maturity, the establishment of a non-judicial mechanism for mediation and conflict resolution, the proficiency of Bahasa Malaysia and other community’s languages and increased accessibility to public-sector services.
The statement added that there is a need to incorporate the recommendations made in the NUCC Report in school, college and university curriculums.
Another recommendation by G25 was for a "serious review" to be conducted on Biro Tata Negara (BTN).
G25 also called on Government and political leaders to make a stand that Malaysia must remain a moderate and tolerant nation.
"The G25 would like to take this opportunity to call on the people of Malaysia and the Government to stand together in promoting and pro-actively advocating racial harmony, tolerance, understanding and cooperation amongst all the races and to take a firm stand, and decisive and quick action against those extremist and divisive groups and individuals," read the statement.
On Dec 8, 2014, The Star published G25’s open letter calling for a review of syariah and civil law in line with the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.
Originally consisting of 25 prominent Malays, most of whom are former high-ranking civil servants, the group now has 53 members.