As part of his Christmas message, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has called upon Malaysians to celebrate their diversity, integrity, tolerance and harmony and uphold the Federal Constitution.

He also called on his own Pakatan Harapan government to "listen more and work harder to deliver promises made in the 2018 general election manifesto to make good the aspirations of a 'new Malaysia'."

"Malaysians must continue to celebrate. We celebrate the freedom of religion amongst non-Muslims in a nation where Islam is the religion of the federation" said Lim, who is also Bagan MP and DAP secretary-general.

"Only when we are brave enough to defend these fundamental freedoms, can we succeed in upholding and defend the Federal Constitution.

"As we greet all Christians a Merry Christmas, we should reject extremists who wish to ban such greetings as being against the Malaysian spirit which is contrary to all religious teachings of peace and goodwill to others and all humanity."

Lim warned that Malaysia had no place for those devoted to religious hostility and racial division.

Touting the virtues of private enterprise and talent diversity, he said that only economic growth could lead to cleaner air, safer food and medicines, better healthcare and schools, less corruption, higher purchasing power and greater income equality.

Taking a shot at the previous BN administration, he said: "There is a need to rescue, redeem and remake the economy from the corruption and financial excesses of the previous government involving huge sums of up to RM150 billion."

Lim ended his greeting by promising to listen more and work harder on Harapan's election promises saying that just as Christmas promises salvation to Christians, governments by man must also fulfil promises made.