Initiatives and efforts to sow the seeds of unity, peace and harmony are not just the responsibility of the government but rather each and every citizen must play a prominent role in continuously upholding the principles of unity.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (above) said any message or statements that promote hatred or instigate differences among each other must be defeated by a sense of love and peace.
“As a multiracial country where the people comprise various religions and cultures, it is the duty of every individual to seize the opportunity to strengthen existing relationships by offering kind words or words that can be inspirational.
“Merry Christmas to the Christian community. Christmas is an important festival celebrated by the Christians and they celebrate the festival every year with their loved ones, friends and other Malaysians every year,” he said in his 2022 Christmas Day message in his Facebook posting yesterday.
The prime minister hoped this year’s Christmas Day celebrations will be merrier, more meaningful, peaceful and harmonious as well as serve as a bridge to unite the people of all races who love peace and prosperity.
‘Be kind to others’
Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri reminded Malaysians to keep the less fortunate, including those who are faced with hardships, sorrow and loneliness, in their thoughts as they celebrate Christmas with family, friends and loved ones.
She also urged Malaysians to be kind to others in her Christmas and New Year message.
She said in the past week, Malaysians have mourned the many lives lost in the Batang Kali landslide, including young children.
“As a whole nation, we were truly shocked and saddened by the incident. My condolences to the families of the bereaved, she added.
Nancy said the country also witnessed floods hitting many states this week, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu, where tens of thousands of people were evacuated to relief centres.
“We pray that those affected will find the strength to face these difficult times,” she said.
Nancy also reminded those who have lost hope that it was only temporary and that the situation they face would pass.
“Remember that hope always comes in the darkest part before dawn,” she said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu also took the opportunity to remind Malaysians to not forget the plight of flood victims during this festive celebration.
“Let us come together and provide assistance to help them,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.
GPS to continue protecting religious freedom
Separately, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government said it will continue to protect religious freedom and reject elements of extremism that could jeopardise the harmony enjoyed by the state’s multi-racial and religious communities.
GPS chairperson Abang Johari Openg, who is also Sarawak premier, said the state was already well known for its multi-racial and multi-religious society but has never faced any problems of uniting in diversity.
He said in Sarawak, there are Christian and Muslim families who can live under one roof without any problems.
“In Sarawak, we are quite fortunate to be protected from the religious and racial conflicts that often happen in other places.
“Our immigration autonomy is able to block religious extremists from setting foot in Sarawak," Abang Johari said in his Christmas 2022 message.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is not completely protected from elements of extremism that infiltrate the state through cyber channels such as social media, which he added are usually used for the political interests of certain parties.
“Our bastion from these elements is our own wisdom alone to filter the good from the bad and the facts from the lies,” he added. - Mkini
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