Royal wish: The King and Queen’s message. — Pic courtesy of Istana negara’s Facebook
PETALING JAYA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah led the chorus of Christmas greetings by wishing peace and prosperity to the Christian community.
“May this festival bring peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being to all Christians in Malaysia,” they said in their Christmas message.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he hoped kindness and compassion would be a key theme of the festivity.
“This Christmas, let us be kind and compassionate to all regardless of their background. May this celebration set the momentum for us to always show compassion and spread kindness to all,” he said in his Christmas message.
Anwar added that unity among Malaysians and stability were important to help the country develop, increase foreign investments, and at the same time, address the issue of hardcore poverty.
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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in extending his Christmas greetings, called on Malaysians to come together during the festive period.
“Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating. May this Christmas strengthen racial unity and harmony in the country,” he said.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he hoped Christmas would help foster love and friendship among Malaysians.
“Merry Christmas wherever you might be. Let’s celebrate with love for one another,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, in his message, expressed hope that Christmas would bring all Malaysians together.
“Beyond all the merrymaking, may your hearts be filled with the true love, hope and peace that Christmas brings,” he said in a Facebook post.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said Christmas was a time to renew bonds as a family, community and nation.
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“Christmas is also a time for compassion and empathy. These universal values are embodied in the Malaysia Madani concept which guides the unity government’s policies,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said he had made it a priority to bridge the gap between the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak by introducing the FlySiswa initiative and placing a cap on flight prices between the two regions during festivities.
“Much work was put into these initiatives, but every minute spent to help bring families together makes these efforts worthwhile,” he said, adding that it was the collective duty of Malaysians to nurture a society rooted in empathy and kindness.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said her wish was for all Malaysians to come together in solidarity this festive season.
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“May we spend quality time with our family and friends. May we all live in peace, harmony and be blessed with good health,” she said in a video post.
Tawfik Ismail, eldest son of the late Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s second deputy prime minister, wished Malaysian Christians a joyous celebration.
“We should respect all religions and wish each other well. We should not have any misgiving about sharing the joy and festivities of other people and religions.
“Let all enjoy what has been given to them because it is everyone’s right to practise their faith in the best way possible,” he said.
