Nga Kor Ming Urges Malaysians to Put Aside Racial and Political Differences for National Harmony
TAIPING: Malaysians should continue to embrace unity and set aside racial as well as political differences in order to preserve the country’s peace, stability and prosperity, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.
He stressed that diversity should never be viewed as a source of division but rather as one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths, capable of driving the nation forward if nurtured with mutual respect and understanding.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Taiping International Youth Band Festival 2026, Nga said Malaysians from different backgrounds must work together and maintain harmony, especially as the country moves closer to another election season.
According to him, differences in opinion are natural in a democratic society, but political disagreements should never come at the expense of social cohesion and national unity.
“In a country blessed with diversity, we must always respect and understand one another.
“If we constantly quarrel and allow differences to divide us, it will not help the nation progress. Instead, it could create instability and undermine everything we have built together,” he said.
Nga compared Malaysian society to an orchestra, where each instrument has its own unique sound but contributes to a beautiful performance when played in harmony.
“In an orchestra, every instrument has a different role and produces a different sound.
“Yet when they perform together in harmony, the result is something beautiful.
“Malaysia is no different. We come from different ethnicities, cultures and beliefs, but if we work together, our diversity becomes our greatest strength,” he said.
The minister noted that Malaysia has long been recognised internationally for its ability to maintain peace and coexistence despite its multicultural society.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia has been ranked among the world’s 12 most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index.
“This is an achievement that every Malaysian should be proud of.
“It proves that despite our differences, we have been able to build a society based on tolerance, mutual respect and cooperation,” he said.
Nga also used the international youth band festival as an example of how people from different nations and cultures can come together in harmony.
The event featured youth marching bands from Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
According to him, the festival demonstrated that cultural and linguistic differences are not barriers to friendship and collaboration.
“Music transcends race, religion, language and nationality.
“It is a universal language that brings people together, nurtures hope and strengthens relationships across borders,” he said.
Nga added that the festival was not only about showcasing musical talent but also about promoting values such as discipline, teamwork and understanding among young people.
He said interactions among participants from various countries create opportunities for cultural exchange and help foster stronger international ties.
The minister also expressed appreciation to organisers, volunteers, educators, sponsors and community partners who contributed to the success of the festival.
Their efforts, he said, had helped showcase Taiping’s rich heritage and Malaysia’s cultural diversity on an international stage.
Nga expressed hope that the friendships formed during the festival would continue long after the event ended and serve as a reminder of the importance of unity.
“When music can unite people from different races and countries, there is no reason Malaysians cannot continue to live together peacefully.
“We must build bridges that strengthen unity and reject any attempt to create walls that divide our society,” he said.
He urged Malaysians to continue embracing the values of respect, tolerance and cooperation, stressing that national harmony is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from everyone regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.
