KUALA LUMPUR: MALAYSIANS have been urged to preserve the nation’s peace, harmony and its diversity, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
In his Christmas message, he touched on Malaysians to come together in the spirit of harmony, acceptance and respect while celebrating the diversity of Malaysia.
“In Malaysia, we are blessed that different ethnicities, languages, and faiths live together as one. ‘1Malaysia’ symbolises this collective unity, emphasising ethnic harmony, national unity and racial tolerance.
“Our Constitution guarantees the right of all Malaysians to practise their religion… and the 10-point solution to address the Bahasa bible and other related issues — that was agreed upon in 2011, and which must be consistent with state laws — was introduced as a way to manage our diversity and protect this right.
“I am proud of the peace and harmony that we have achieved since Merdeka.
“Regardless of our ethnicity, culture or religion, Malaysians respect each other’s religious festivals together in solidarity,” he said
wishing Malaysian Christians a “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”.
Najib extended his wishes via his social media platforms on Facebook, Youtube video, Twitter and blog, najibrazak.com.
He added that Christmas was a time for family and friends to come together, to look back on the year and look forward to the new year with hope and goodwill.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin reminded all parties to show civility, good ethics and respect for the law in discussing interreligious matters and issues.
He said this was important for all to preserve harmony and order among the nation’s multiracial and multireligious society.
“We should always be rational, set aside our suspicions and prejudices, and find common grounds for all to share.
“Hopefully, the understanding and peace that we have fostered all this while is our source of strength and contributes to the nation’s development,” he said in his Christmas Day message.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said as a plural society, Malaysians should be grateful as each community and religious celebration could be enjoyed with much merriment in a climate of peace and harmony.
He said such history could teach society that good relations among people from different races, religions and cultures could be the pillar for a people’s progress and development.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, in his Christmas message, pledged to guard the state from any elements of extremism by enhancing unity among all people in the state.
He outlined the need to foster fostering peace and harmony as among his four top priorities.
“As a chief minister for Sarawakians, it is my duty to ensure that all the people in the state can continue to live in peace and harmony and enjoy the religious freedom that we have all these while.
“Extremism has never been a problem in Sarawak. We respect the religious beliefs of our friends, though we may not believe in the teachings of their religions.
“It has never been a problem and will never be a problem for us in the state. This exemplary quality of the people in Sarawak is the pride of us all,” he said.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in his message, said the warmth that Malaysians were known for was reflected in the way everyone was welcomed by all.
“Despite being diverse in terms of faith and culture, we bridge our differences through common values and our love for peace and harmony, and our undivided resolve to see this country succeed further in years to come.
“Together, we must continue to strive to bring Sabah to new and greater heights.
“We can only achieve this if we remain united, and not allow for trust and mutual respect that we have for another to be eroded with time,” he said.
Musa added that the peace and unity enjoyed today must not be taken for granted, and that hidden agendas or political reasons must not be allowed to disrupt what Sabah and Malaysia were built on.
“There are some irresponsible quarters that would do anything to sow feelings of distrust with the aim of tearing the fabric that has held us all together.
“The government of the day under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has continuously pushed for not just tolerance, but acceptance of diversity in race and religions.”
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein wished everyone on Tuesday via his Twitter account @HishammuddinH2O: “To all our friends celebrating Christmas — Merry merry Christmas”.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said it was important for everyone to promote inclusiveness and moderation by preserving freedom of religion and encouraging interfaith dialogue and harmony in our nation.
“Moderate policies will ultimately benefit all citizens, regardless of race, religion or culture.
“Our nation can only continue to develop and raise to greater heights when we do not let our differences stand in the way of mutual trust and respect.
“Christmas is a time of forgiveness and renewal, when we reflect on the past and look toward the future. It represents hope and selflessness, values which I am sure responsible Malaysians aspire to in order to build a better nation,” said Liow who is also Transport Minister.
-NST
