Strengthen our resolve to reject hatred, PM says in Christmas message

Malaysians must strengthen unity and mutual respect as the nation faces global challenges, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his Christmas message.

In his Facebook post wishing Malaysians a Merry Christmas yesterday, Anwar said unity is nurtured through empathy and understanding, which are supported by policies that protect the rights and dignity of all Malaysians.

“In a world facing economic uncertainty, humanitarian conflict and social division, Malaysia has chosen the path of unity, dialogue and mutual respect as the foundation for building the country’s future.

“The Madani government believes that harmony is not born by chance, but is built through fair policies, equal opportunities and a culture of mutual understanding among people of different religions and races.

“Genuine unity is manifested when every citizen is respected, protected and given the space to contribute to the future of the country.

“In conjunction with this Christmas celebration, let us strengthen our resolve to reject hatred and instil empathy, because the strength of Malaysia lies in its unity in diversity,” he said.

Love, peace, happiness

National Unity Minister Aaron Ago Dagang wished a Christmas celebrated with love, peace and happiness for Christians nationwide.

“May this festive season bring warmth to your heart and joy to your home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” said Aaron.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, on his Facebook page, wished for this joyful season to fill Malaysians’ hearts with peace, their homes with love and their time together with loved ones to be filled with warmth and laughter.

“Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate. Let us uphold and defend all the diversity of the country, which has long been part of our national identity,” said Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan in a separate Facebook post.

PAS, via its secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan yesterday, reminded Malaysians that the country’s diversity is a trust that must be protected with wisdom and sincerity.

“PAS would like to wish Merry Christmas to all Christians in Malaysia. We hope that this moment can be used to strengthen our relationships, renew hope and uphold our commitment to the culture of love among all of us,” he said.

Rafizi’s wish

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli took to X to reflect on his past Christmas experiences, including one where he spent years in Kuala Kangsar, where a mosque, a church and a Hindu temple were all within about 500m from each other.

The former minister also recalled the time when he was “smuggled” into a Christmas play at his boarding school in Scotland.

“I was fortunate to do my A-levels at a boarding school in Scotland. The annual Christmas musical was the highlight of the school calendar every year.

“I barely knew how to play the clarinet then, but the school’s music teacher was so touched that two foreigners were willing to play the clarinet that she somehow managed to smuggle me and my friends into the school’s orchestra. Of course, we played the easiest part of the ensemble.

“So I went through a wonderful experience being part of the school’s Christmas musical productions. I think that during the two years I was there, the productions were ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘Oliver’,” he said.

He added that having gone through these rich experiences had strengthened his belief that learning to know and love one another is a very important part of being human.

“If there is one wish I always have, it is that the younger generation will be as lucky as I have been to experience this diversity and mutual respect,” he said.

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