PETALING JAYA: The new Pakatan Harapan government will continue to uphold the Federal Constitution and guarantee the rights and freedom of all races, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Malaysians, he reminded in his Wesak Day message, had to respect the differences of religion among them.
“We have to practise not just high tolerance but also accept these differences.
“In Malaysia, (the rights of) all races - the majority and the minority - are all preserved and protected under the constitution and the country’s laws,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Dr Mahathir said Malaysians of various descent, language, faiths and culture had been celebrating their religious activities together.
“This is Malaysia’s uniqueness. It is actually a manifestation of the freedom of religion practised in Malaysia,” he said.
This freedom, said Dr Mahathir, had to be preserved and defended so that it would not be tarnished by excessive actions that could undermine the racial harmony and peace.
“Wesak Day is celebrated to remember Gautama Buddha - the founder of the Buddha religion - but an important lesson it teaches is to do good to each other.
“I hope with all our efforts, our country can become a country that is developed and prosperous,” he said.
BERNAMA reported Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali as saying that this year’s Wesak Day celebration is historic as it came on the back of unprecedented demand by Malaysians for change.
Malaysia’s new beginning, he said, highlighted the importance of service, justice, good governance and placing the people’s interests above all else.
“In the spirit of new beginnings, I have decided to take on responsibilities at the federal level as we need to save our country.
“It will be tough but together, I am confident we can provide a new direction for our country,” he said.
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