Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan

Dato’ Sri Mahmood AdamIt requires collective responsibility and the Government is committedto maintaining peace and harmony in the country. Safety and securityis the right to claim for all citizens. The freedom of each individual canonly be the freedom of all.Every democracy aims to fulfil this vision both in spirit and in action. Malaysia aspiresfor nothing less than this for each and every one who lives and visits the country.The Government of Malaysia has always been uncompromising, no less unyieldingin its commitment to securing and maintaining peace and harmony.The unique facet of the Malaysian society and the strength of its people lie in theirsimilarities and differences alike.Malaysia prides itself as a plural society,reflected upon by its multiracial, multiculturaland multireligious composition.Since independence, Malaysia has prosperedas a nation, bound by the mutual acceptanceand tolerance of our own uniqueness.This arguably establishes the very foundationof Malaysia’s distinctiveness. Given this, oursovereignty is defined by our collectiveability to preserve the uniqueness thatcouches the safety and security of ourcountry.Malaysia prides itselfas a plural society,reflected upon by itsmultiracial, multiculturaland multireligiouscomposition.This preservation not only lies in tolerance alone, but also of acceptance, assimilation,integration and respect of all that is different and same. It is embedded in ourrecognition and respect of basic human ideals and values. As a vibrant democraticcountry, Malaysia can be a fertile breeding ground for radicalism, extremism andintolerance left to be exploited by irresponsible parties.History and recent events in the region have manifested the need for Malaysia tobe perseverant and wary of the lingering internal and external threats that couldpotentially destroy our national fabric. This responsibility to preserve safety andsecurity is, however, not exclusive to the Government alone, but also of civil societyand the public at large.The jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) covers vital areasconcerning Security and Public Order, Prisons and Correctional, Drug Abuseand Rehabilitation,Humanitarian Assistance, as well as National Registration andImmigration. With a total of 24 divisions and 7 departments, the overall strength of153