Anwar: Zodiac year can help spur national and economic progress
KUALA LUMPUR: The Year of the Horse signals strength and energy that can help spur economic growth and national development, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“In the Year of the Fire Horse, we hope it can drive the economy and further the country’s development to be better this year.
“The horse represents swiftness, strength and power, thus we hope Malaysia’s economic performance will exceed even further,” said the Prime Minister at MCA’s Chinese New Year celebration, here at Wisma MCA on Tuesday.
Anwar said the Chinese New Year celebration represents the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
“I am here to celebrate the festivity hosted by MCA, and this is not just for one group, but a celebration for all Malaysians,” he said.
“It is joyously celebrated and reflects our unity.”
Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the Year of the Horse symbolises greater energy, stamina and resilience – qualities he hopes will translate into stronger economic performance for Malaysia.
“May the Year of the Horse propel us to greater heights. I pray that Malaysia will be blessed with peace and prosperity, and that all Malaysians will be granted good health.”
Drawing on the symbolism of the horse, Dr Wee said resilience and stamina would be crucial not only economically but also politically, as Malaysia moves closer to the next electoral cycle.
“This will be a challenging year. We must work very hard, as some states are entering their fourth and fifth year of governing.
“More importantly, however, is the well-being of the people. How we safeguard and protect their interests is what truly matters,” he said.
Dr Wee also called for unity and an end to political divisions, saying the festive period should be a time for togetherness rather than partisanship.
He said leaders from various political parties were invited in the spirit of inclusivity, including former ministers and politicians from different political backgrounds.
Dr Wee added, the attendance of former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin reflected longstanding ties and friendships that transcend political affiliations.
“This is the day where we celebrate together. There should not be any political divide and the celebration is about wishing everyone well.”
Commenting on the attendance of DAP leaders, Dr Wee said invitations had been extended to all parties, but attendance depended on individual commitments.
“We should not make this a big issue because it is not an issue.”
Present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Han Soon, MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah and Khairy.
Also present were former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujin, former International Trade and Industry deputy minister Ong Kian Ming.
At another Chinese New Year event, the Prime Minister recalled Malaysia’s early leadership, where leaders such as Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Abdul Razak Hussein had long emphasised the importance of cooperation among all races.
“In 1961, Tun Abdul Razak reminded the nation of the major challenges it faced at the time, including the communist threat and racial issues.
“That reminder clearly showed that for Malaysia to succeed, the people must accept differences and challenges, and manage them wisely through a spirit of cooperation as one big family.”
He added that the government would give special consideration to support the community’s continued cooperation.
