MCA, Gerakan leaders call for unity, forgiveness
Malaysians have been urged to make a promise to uphold the spirit of unity and peace among all races in the country this Aidilfitri.
In making the call, MCA president and Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said Malaysians must see beyond the antics of those who wished to divide them.
"We owe this to our future generations who will be tasked with leading our nation. It's our duty to leave them a multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation," Liow ( photo ) said in his Aidilfitri message.
"Indeed, this Lebaran is a special time not only for families to seek forgiveness and strengthen bonds, but also for Malaysians of all races to strengthen unity," he added.
He urged Malaysians to keep safe on the road during the "balik kampung" ritual as he wished "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" and "Maaf Zahir Batin".
Meanwhile, Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong ( photo ) urged Malaysians to take a moment to reflect on themselves and to be prepared to face future challenges.
He noted that the past few months had been of tremendous challenge for
Malaysia, with constant and intensifying political polemics, socio-economic issues and media speculation engulfing the nation in a mood of anxiety and confusion.
"Nonetheless, our effort to discover and promote mutual respect, compassion and sensibility in these difficult times must not relent.
"I call on all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion to come together and embrace the spirit of Hari Raya," said the minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
He pointed out that Aidilfitri was a time to ask for forgiveness, reconcile and renew relationships with others.
"The exalted nature of forgiveness is indeed attested by the success stories of our nation, and it should be the national virtue that we embrace along our way forward as a nation," he added.
- Bernama
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