Minister: Embracing diversity, mutual respect foundation for resilience
MALAYSIA’S strength lies in its multicultural fabric and this diversity must be embraced as the foundation of a stronger, more resilient nation, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister urged Malaysians to uphold unity by fostering mutual respect, understanding and inclusivity.
“Malaysia’s diversity is not a weakness, but one of our greatest strengths.
“We must live up to the true spirit of the ‘Malaysian Dream’ and nation-building by fostering unity, respecting differences and working together for the common good,” he said during a closed-door dialogue with church leaders nationwide.
He added that the Madani government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership was on the right track in restoring investors’ confidence and rebuilding the nation’s economic and social foundations.
Nga, who is also president of United Nations Habitat Assembly, said targeted subsidy programmes helped to ease the cost of living and provide meaningful relief to the rakyat.
This included initiatives like the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) and the Budi Madani fuel subsidy initiative.
The Government is expected to pay RM60bil in petrol subsidy this year.
Nga also highlighted encouraging economic indicators, including rising foreign direct investment, a strengthening ringgit and improving macroeconomic stability.
He said these reflected renewed investor confidence in Malaysia, with the country now ranked among the world’s top 23 most competitive economies, up from 37th previously.
“While progress is being made, rebuilding a nation takes time and requires a good heart.
“We ask Malaysians for their continued patience, support and trust as we work diligently to deliver meaningful reforms and sustainable growth,” he added.
The dialogue session, attended by church leaders from all denominations, served as a platform to foster constructive engagement, strengthen interfaith understanding and reinforce the Government’s commitment to inclusivity and unity.
