Patriotic Spirit Drives Lim Kok Wing To Success

By Kurniawati Kamarudin

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) – Differences of opinion may occur among Malaysians but, above all, they have mutual respect for each other’s way of life.

This is among the opinions of Emeritus Prof Dr Lim Kok Wing, educationist and founder and president of Limkokwing University in Cyberjaya, who strongly feels that the unity of Malaysia’s multiracial society remains a pillar of strength for this nation which will celebrate its 63rd National Day on Aug 31.

Born before the nation attained independence, Lim, who is also a leading entrepreneur and known for his patriotic spirit, walks the talk as his personal and business endeavours reflect his love for the nation.

He declares that his love for the nation is the secret of the success of his education business empire that has spread its wings to other parts of the world.

Describing Malaysia as a painting and its citizens as the artists who painted it, Selangor-born Lim said the diversity of Malaysia’s society should be celebrated and not be a point of contention.

Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Dr Lim Kok Wing.

“As a Malaysian of Chinese descent, I am proud that I was born in this country. Its diverse cultures and races add more colour to our unity and patriotic spirit.

“Regardless of our race or faith, loyalty to our King and Nation is the fortress connecting the people who adhere to the principles of Rukun Negara,” Lim told Bernama in an interview recently.

UPHOLD MALAYSIAN SPIRIT

Malaysia's diverse cultures drive the spirit of unity and patriotism. -- Photo courtesy of Limkokwing University

Established 29 years ago as Limkokwing Institute of Creative Technology and now known as Limkokwing University, the growth this institution was made possible by the same tenacity exuded by the Malaysian spirit.

Lim is among Malaysian personalities who helped to change the nation’s education landscape with their creative, innovative, analytical and strategic thinking. Not only that, he has also helped to organise programmes and campaigns to foster unity and nation-building.

Limkokwing University, which has campuses in African nations, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Indonesia and China, has played a big part in promoting Malaysia’s uniqueness, namely its plural society.

“The uniqueness of Malaysia cannot be found in other countries. It is something that our nation must maintain for future generations. We have been promoting Malaysia’s uniqueness through our Limkokwing Cultural Festival and United Malaysia and Malaysia Boleh campaigns and others,” said Lim.

Malaysian students dressed in the traditional costumes of the nation's various communities. -- Photo courtesy of Limkokwing University

He also urged Malaysians to appreciate the nation’s independence and be thankful for the unity and togetherness they have enjoyed all these years. 

The unity that exists today reflects the state of harmony among the multiracial communities and this is something people of all walks of life, irrespective of status, race and religion, must strive to maintain.

NATION-BUILDING

Malaysians must appreciate the independence of their nation by forging greater unity. -- Photo courtesy of Limkokwing University

Lim said since independence, Malaysia has always had far-sighted leaders who drafted programmes to unify the nation’s people of various ethnicities.

“There have been conflicts at times but as a nation, we’ve remained strong. This is due to racial tolerance which enables us to move around freely without any fear or prejudice,” he added.

Pointing out that nation-building was a long process and cannot possibly be achieved within 20 or 30 years, Lim said the unity that exists in Malaysia now has to be stepped up to a level where it can withstand all kinds of pressure and challenges without easily succumbing to the agenda of certain quarters who wish to see disunity. 

He also said that history education is also an important tool in forging unity among people of different races and building an integrated and independent society.

“As Malaysian citizens who share a nation and have the same dreams, we support our nation’s unity agenda. Our multiracial and multi-religious society live in harmony and, at the same time, we are able to retain our respective racial identity and characteristics,” he added.    

Translated by Rema Nambiar

BERNAMA