Make Malaysia's diversity a shared asset, not a 'destructive poison', says PAS in Deepavali message

PETALING JAYA: Make Malaysia’s diversity a shared asset instead of a destructive poison, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (pic) in his Deepavali message.

“PAS wishes Happy Deepavali to all Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in Malaysia who will be celebrating starting Thursday (Oct 31).

As a significant festival for a major segment of our society, Deepavali’s core message– the triumph of light over darkness or truth over falsehood – resonates with the shared aspirations of all Malaysians, regardless of religion, belief or background,” the party's secretary-general said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 29).

He added that PAS believed that the call to stand with light and truth, alongside fostering a deep appreciation for pure and noble values within personal life, family and society, is a timeless and universal message – one that must be embraced and renewed across every era.

He said only with these values as a foundation, and high morals, can humanity aspire to create a life that is beautiful, harmonious, blessed and prosperous, thus free from suffering, oppression and injustice.

“Meanwhile, PAS urges all parties to continuously position and harmonise Malaysia’s rich diversity of religions, beliefs and cultures within our national framework and landscape, making it a shared asset rather than a destructive poison,” he said.

“In an increasingly open world with challenging geopolitical developments, national image and interests are often overshadowed or undermined by political, economic, racial or personal agendas,” he said.

Without effective and judicious conflict resolution, the nation risks losing its sense of direction and balance, leaving citizens disillusioned and stressed without a constructive path forward, he said.

“It would be even more unfortunate if some among us – albeit unknowingly – become 'Trojan horses' for 'foreign' ambitions and narratives, that if left unchecked, could not only erode but potentially undermine our own national interests and aspirations,” Takiyuddin said.

He said in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations, PAS is hoping that people would continue to seek the truth and justice instead of being swayed by emotions, sentiments, or extreme, exaggerated behaviours.