IPOH: The recent Christmas celebration at the Housing and Local Government Ministry is a reflection of how the diversity of Malaysia's society is its strength and uniqueness, its Minister Nga Kor Ming tells PAS.
On a statement by the Islamist party that the celebration attended by Muslims was not appropriate, Nga said all festivals were celebrated at the ministry, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
"I urge certain political parties to (turn away) from divisive actions," he said to reporters after launching the ministry’s "Sentuhan Kejayaan" programme at the Tambun parliamentary service centre in Meru Raya here on Friday (Dec 27).
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"Next month, we will celebrate Chinese New Year. All festive seasons are welcomed and celebrated in harmony.
"We will not succumb to bigotry or extremism but will continue to honour and respect our multicultural society," he added.
Nga said a viral video of the ministry’s staff singing Christmas songs featured many officers from Sabah and Sarawak, including those of Kadazan Dusun descent, and this reflected mutual respect and harmony.
"Recently, I received an apology and compensation of RM5,000 from the Perak PAS commissioner for defamatory statements.
"I advise PAS to stop exploiting religion and focus on fostering unity," he added.
Nga said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has emphasised the importance of embracing cultural diversity as Malaysia’s strength.
"Unity in diversity is our way of life. When we host Hari Raya celebrations, we invite everyone, including PAS leaders, and hope they will join us in harmony," he said.
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On Tuesday (Dec 24), PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said in his Christmas message that Christian holidays were an important part of the country's cultural fabric.
Also on Tuesday, Nga shared a clip of ministry staff singing Christmas songs at its main lobby.
On Wednesday (Dec 25), it was reported that the party's Youth vice-chief Hanif Jamaluddin took issue with the ministry's Christmas celebration as it involved Muslim staff.
He said Nga should know that Muslims were prohibited from being directly involved in celebrations that went against Islamic teachings.
