Lee Kim Yew’s open letter to Pasir Mas MP who wants his citizenship stripped for admiring Dr Sun Yat-sen

Focus Malaysia:

Lee Kim Yew’s open letter to Pasir Mas MP who wants his citizenship stripped for admiring Dr Sun Yat-sen

Editor’s Note: Below is an open letter by Country Heights Holdings Bhd founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew to Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari who had wanted his citizenship stripped for urging Malaysian Chinese political parties to prioritise the interests of China and the global Chinese population above internal political agendas.

The PAS information chief had made the call on Wednesday (Oct 16) when debating on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat.

I HOPE this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I wanted to take a moment to reach out to you in the spirit of open dialogue and mutual understanding.

My respect for our country, Malaysia, runs deep with this passion driving everything I do, both personally and professionally.

In this light, I would like to invite you for a cup of coffee. Whether we meet for a private conversation or a public dialogue, I believe such an exchange could benefit both of us and contribute to fostering harmony between the Malay and Chinese communities in our beloved country.


Wrong platform

Like you, YB, for you to choose the Parliament to bring up my name and questioned my loyalty to the country, it is a wrong platform.

You have chosen a legislative platform and used your legislative power to suggest something to the administrative power. Instead, you should go directly to the judiciary power.

This should be an interesting topic for the public to discuss and brainstorm to make sure the Malaysian judiciary power is totally independent.

Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari

Parliament should be the platform for you to discuss the well-being of your constituency, Pasir Mas.

The function of Parliament is to provide oversight of the government and to hold the government accountable to make good policies and laws for the rakyat and the country instead of targeting on me.


Admiration for Dr Sun Yat-sen

In my article, I aimed to promote the ideologies of Dr Sun Yat-sen, a leader I deeply admire. Instead of advocating for the conventional Three-Power Separation, Dr Sun proposed the Five Power Constitution to prevent corruption and reduce the concentration of power.

His idea was to include additional checks such as Examination and Control powers alongside the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

I believe our discussion will open up a good opportunity for all politicians and political parties to pay attention to Dr Sun philosophy of the Five Powers Constitution.

Please know that my patriotism is genuine and my loyalty to Malaysia is steadfast. As someone born and raised in this beautiful land, I have always worked with the best interests of the nation and its people at heart.

Last but not least, for you to understand the philosophy and the culture of Tiong Hua, it doesn’t just belong to the Chinese but to all mankind just like Al-Quran is the best medicine for all mankind.

I look forward to hearing from you – whether publicly or through a private dialogue – instead of through the parliamentary platform.

Here’s a little pantun to brighten our exchange:

Bunga mawar di tepi titi,
Mekar indah dipandang mata,
Mari berbincang secara hati ke hati,
Demi Malaysia yang kita cinta.

And I enclose here an open letter to all Malaysians on the interpretation of the meaning of Tiong Hua for your kind reference. – Oct 18, 2024


***


丹斯里 李金友 Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew

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𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 “𝐓𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐮𝐚” (中华)

Dear fellow Malaysians,

In this letter, I wish to share some deep reflections on the philosophical meaning of “Tiong Hua” (中华). As members of a diverse and multicultural society, it is essential that we understand the core values of each other’s traditions to build a harmonious society together. While the Malays have Islam as their faith, the Chinese community upholds the traditional values of Tiong Hua. Through understanding and trust, we have a great opportunity to work together for the prosperity and stability of our nation.

The Philosophical Meaning of “Tiong Hua” (中华)

1. “Tiong” (中) – The Way of Moderation and Balance
The character “Tiong” (中) represents balance, harmony, and inclusion. In Chinese philosophy, especially in Confucianism and Taoism, the “Doctrine of the Mean” (中庸) is a guiding principle for achieving inner wisdom and social peace. It encourages people to avoid extremes, pursue moderation, and seek balance in all aspects of life. This philosophy aligns closely with the Islamic principle of “Al-Wasatiyyah”, which promotes moderation, justice, and fairness in daily life. Both philosophies emphasize the importance of the middle path for personal tranquility and societal stability.

2. “Hua” (华) – Prosperity and Culture
The character “Hua” (华) symbolizes prosperity, cultural excellence, and shared wealth. It refers not only to material abundance but also to spiritual and cultural enrichment. In the Chinese tradition, “Hua” is not merely about personal wealth but about building a community that benefits everyone, ensuring shared prosperity and development.

This concept resonates with the Islamic principle of “Zakat” (charity), which aims to reduce inequality and promote economic and social justice. Both traditions emphasize that true prosperity is achieved when the benefits of progress are shared by all members of society.

Lessons from Indonesia’s Model of Cooperation
In Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, the Muslim and Chinese communities have successfully built a model of mutual trust and shared prosperity through cooperation in economics, culture, and education. This provides valuable insights for Malaysia. Similarly, through mutual understanding and cooperation, we can build a future of shared prosperity and harmony in our diverse society.

Moderation and Mutual Trust: The Foundations of a Harmonious Society

1. Practicing the Spirit of Moderation in Daily Life
Just as the “Doctrine of the Mean” (中庸) and Al-Wasatiyyah encourage moderation and balance, we should maintain moderation in both thought and action, avoid extremes, and seek harmony between different cultures. By focusing on shared values rather than differences, we can live in harmony and avoid division.

2. Achieving Shared Prosperity and Social Justice
Guided by the spirit of “Hua”, we should aim for shared prosperity, ensuring that all communities—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and others—benefit from the country’s development. Both Islam and Chinese culture emphasize justice and charity, which should serve as the foundation for our nation’s progress.
“Tiong Hua” as the Foundation for a Better Future
“Tiong Hua” is more than just a phrase—it is a philosophy that embodies balance, prosperity, and inclusion. It can serve as a guiding principle for Malaysia’s development, helping us create a stable and prosperous society. This is not just a goal for Malaysia but a shared aspiration for all of humanity.

By embracing understanding and inclusion, we can overcome differences and build meaningful cross-cultural cooperation. Whether it is the Doctrine of the Mean or the Islamic Middle Path, both paths lead toward the same ideals: peace, prosperity, and justice.

Conclusion: Building the Future with Trust and Inclusiveness

Dear Malaysians, the philosophy behind “Tiong Hua” teaches us the values of balance and shared prosperity. These values are not unique to Chinese culture; they also exist within Islam and other faiths. By practicing the principles of moderation and mutual trust, we can jointly build a peaceful and prosperous society where everyone can share the fruits of development.

Let us work together, with trust and inclusiveness as our foundation, to create a brighter future for Malaysia.

Warm regards,
Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew
_____________________

【致所有马来西亚同胞：关于“中华”二字的公开信】
尊敬的马来西亚同胞们：
在这封信中，我想与大家分享一个关于“中华”二字的深刻思考。作为生活在多元文化与信仰社会中的一员，我们有必要深入理解彼此的文化内涵，以共同构建一个和谐的社会。马来同胞选择了伊斯兰作为信仰，而华人社区秉持着传统的中华价值观。在理解与信任的基础上，我们有机会携手合作，共同为国家的繁荣与稳定贡献力量。
“中华”二字的哲学内涵
1. “中”——中道与平衡
“中”代表着平衡、和谐、包容。在中华文化中，儒家和道家的“中庸”之道是一种智慧的体现，强调在人生的各种选择中追求适度与平衡，避免走向极端，保持内心的安宁与社会的稳定。
这一理念与伊斯兰教的“Al-Wasatiyyah”（中道精神）高度一致。伊斯兰教鼓励信徒在生活中走适度之路，远离极端，追求公正与和平。这种中道精神不仅能带来个人的内心宁静，也有助于社会的稳定与和谐。
2. “华”——繁荣与文化
“华”象征着繁荣、文化与卓越。它不仅指物质上的富足，更体现了精神与文化上的丰盈。中华文化中的“华”主张社会的进步应惠及每一个人，实现共同富裕，让每个人都能共享繁荣与发展。
这一理念与伊斯兰教中的“Zakat”（天课）精神相吻合。Zakat的核心在于减少社会不平等，实现经济和社会的平衡发展，确保所有人都能共享社会的福祉与资源。
从印尼的合作模式汲取启示
在印尼这个拥有世界上最多穆斯林人口的国家，穆斯林与华人社区通过经济、文化和教育上的合作，成功地建立了互信与共荣的模式。这为马来西亚提供了一个宝贵的参考。我们同样可以通过相互理解与合作，在多元社会中构建共荣和谐的未来。
中道与互信：和谐社会的基础
1. 在日常生活中实践中道精神
正如 “中庸”和“Al-Wasatiyyah”所倡导的，我们应在思想与行动上保持中道，不走极端，寻求多元文化之间的共识与和谐。这将帮助我们在一个多元社会中共同进步，避免误解和分裂。
2. 实现共同富裕与社会正义
在“华”的精神指导下，我们要追求共同富裕，确保每一个群体——无论是马来人、华人还是其他民族——都能分享国家发展的成果。伊斯兰教与中华文化都强调社会的公平与慈善，这应成为我们社会进步的基础。
“中华”精神：未来社会的基石
“中华”不仅是一种文化符号，更是一种结合了中道精神与共同富裕的哲学。我们可以将这一精神作为国家发展的基石，通过尊重、包容与合作，构建一个稳定、繁荣的社会。这不仅是马来西亚的愿景，也是全人类的共同追求。
通过理解和包容，我们能够克服彼此之间的差异，实现跨文化的深度合作。无论是华人文化中的中庸之道，还是伊斯兰教的中道精神，我们都在追求同样的目标：和谐、繁荣与正义。
结语：以信任与包容共创未来
亲爱的马来同胞们， “中华”二字体现了中道与共同富裕的精神。这种价值不仅属于华人文化，更存在于伊斯兰和其他信仰中。通过实践中道与互信，我们可以共同构建一个和平、繁荣的社会，让每一个人都能共享发展的果实。
让我们以信任与包容为基础，共同为马来西亚以及全人类的美好未来而努力！
诚挚的祝福，
李金友

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