Leaders call on Malaysians to foster unity during Christmas season

Government leaders have urged Malaysians to foster unity during this Christmas season.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, in a Christmas message, acknowledged that there have been a number of race-related issues recently.

"Even though Malaysia has of late been plagued by issues relating to race relations, it should not deter our commitment to preserve our harmony and plural culture which is among what makes our country unique," he said in a statement in Facebook today.

He also quoted a verse from the bible, stating: "Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right."

Meanwhile, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang said he hoped Malaysians can develop a new self-confidence of "reaching for the stars" to set aside contrived fears and demons.

"I am inspired to see Malaysian Muslims disregarding the voices of hate and intolerance warning them that they would be committing a sin if they wish Christians 'Merry Christmas', with many Muslims in Malaysians openly wishing Christians 'Merry Christmas'.

"Let Malaysians reaffirm the constitutional principle of Islam as the official religion and freedom of worship for other religions and not succumb to the lies, false news and hate speech on social media that the various races and religions are facing an existential threat," he said in a statement.

Lim said he wants to see a Malaysia where people of all races will come out of their "own universes" to interact with other communities.

"All Malaysians must ask: Who is the 'other' in the Malaysian context?

"Are the 'Other' the Chinese and Indians to a Malay Malaysian, the Malays and Indians to a Chinese Malaysian, and the Malays and Chinese to an Indian Malaysian?

"If this is the answer, then we have not yet succeeded in Malaysian nation-building, for the 'Other' must be a non-Malaysian, whether from Indonesia, China or India or any other part of the world," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also released a Chrismas message video.

In the 39-second video released on Mahathir's official Facebook page, Mahathir is seen writing a Christmas card.

"To all Christians in Malaysia, both citizens and non-citizens, I and my wife would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year," he said.

 - Mkini