Star Media Bhd : Nazir ready to walk the talk

Banker keen on celebrating diversity for a more peaceful Malaysia

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One nation: Nazir holding the Malaysian flag. The banker feels unity and diversity are themes important to the country.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prominent banker Datuk Seri Nazir Razak is looking forward to taking part in the Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk on Aug 14, saying he is ready to walk the talk for a richer, more peaceful and united Malaysia.

This is his vision for a better Malaysia.

'It is a Malaysia that is prosperous, peaceful and united and, of course, those three elements are interlaced. It is a place where everyone must feel that it is for them,' he told The Star.

A moderate Malaysia is very dear to Nazir, hence his eagerness to join the upcoming Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk, meant to celebrate Malaysia's diversity and to promote unity and understanding.

Asked what Anak-Anak Malaysia meant to him, the CIMB Group chairman said it was about being Malaysian first and foremost, as well as recognising the need for unity in diversity.

'Whatever our differences, at the end of the day we are one nation. We must strive for the betterment of this country and all its people, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion.

'Obviously at a time when you get a relatively toxic political atmosphere, it is comforting to go back to themes that speak strongly about unity and multiculturalism that are so important to the nation,' he said.

Nazir also observed that the younger generation was struggling to identify itself with elements of the current national administration system, and these frustrations must be addressed.

'For instance, education issues have to be looked at in the context of the social contract - what we agreed on at the time of independence, and what was reformed at the time of the New Economic Policy.

'Many among the new generation cannot identify with the NEP and the other elements of the system.

'It is time for a holistic look at all this,' he said.

The Anak-Anak Malaysia Walk 2016, to be held ahead of the National Day celebrations, will kick off at the Bukit Bintang City Centre on Aug 14.

The 3.4km walk, starting from the junction of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Pudu at the site of the former Pudu Prison, will be flagged off by Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz.

#AnakAnakMalaysia Walk is organised by Star Media Group, in collaboration with Ecoworld. Other sponsors for the event include car sponsor Proton, gold sponsor Panasonic and silver sponsors Tenaga Nasional and YES.

Visit http://sites.thestar.com.my/aamwalk/ to register.

The first 3,000 participants to register will receive a Golden Screen Cinemas movie ticket.

For details, call 03-7967 1388 ext 1432/1529/1243 on Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.