KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should not allow emotions, provocations and differences in opinion to fracture relationships that have long been built within the nation’s plural society, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In his Chinese New Year greeting, Anwar said such differences should instead be turned into opportunities to strengthen the spirit of goodwill, reject prejudice and choose the path of dialogue, negotiation and wisdom to preserve harmony.
"Chinese New Year always reminds us of prosperity, hope and the strength to move forward with confidence. In this Year of the Horse, diligence, courage and fighting spirit are celebrated alongside the call to act with wisdom and moderation.
"Confucius reminds us that harmony arises when people respect and understand one another. This is the foundation that enables a multiracial society to live together peacefully despite differences in cultural background and beliefs.
"Gong Xi Fa Cai! Xin Nian Kuai Le! Ma Nian Xin Da Yun!,” said the Prime Minister in a Facebook post on Monday (Feb 16).
Both Deputy Prime Ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, are expecting the Chinese New Year celebration to bring well-being, strengthen unity, and uphold the spirit of togetherness in this culturally diverse nation.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said he hoped that this year would bring happiness, good health, abundant sustenance and success in every endeavour undertaken.
"In the diversity of cultures that we possess lies the true beauty of Malaysia. We celebrate our differences with respect, share our joy, and continue moving forward as one big family united at heart.
"May the new year bring greater hope and well-being to the nation we love," he said on his Facebook page, while extending Chinese New Year wishes to all Malaysians celebrating the festival.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said Malaysians are fortunate to live in an environment that allows everyone to learn from one another and share values, as the country's population comprises people of various races and religious beliefs.
"Therefore, it is important for us to continue nurturing a spirit of tolerance and mutual respect, as that is where the foundation of shared harmony and stability lies.
"Let us continue to preserve unity, strengthen harmony, and uphold the spirit of togetherness that forms the foundation of the nation's prosperity," he said on his Facebook account. — Bernama
