Malaysia must remain a nation of harmony, respect and dignity

I REFER to Wong Chun Wai’s thought-provoking column, “A greeting by any other name is just as sweet” (Sunday Star, Nov 1).

“Today, even the names of festivals can become controversial: Deepavali versus Diwali, Hari Raya versus Lebaran, buka puasa versus iftar, and Kong Hei Fatt Choy versus Gong Xi Fa Cai,” he laments.

“We do not need to turn every festival greeting into a religious or ideological debate. Sometimes, all it takes is common sense and a willingness to appreciate one another as fellow Malaysians,” he reasons.

I wholeheartedly concur.

Whether we are Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Taoists or followers of other religious beliefs and Indigenous traditions, every faith deserves dignity, understanding and mutual respect.

Whether we greet one another with Selamat Hari Raya, Happy Deepavali, Merry Christmas, Happy Wesak, Happy Vaisakhi or Gong Xi Fa Cai, the language may differ, but the message remains universal – peace, love, goodwill and humanity!

Our forefathers built this nation through sacrifice, tolerance and cooperation. We must not allow religious extremism, racial prejudice, political manipulation or irresponsible rhetoric to destroy our harmony.

Let us also distinguish genuine national unity from the serious challenges of illegal immigration. Malaysia must remain welcoming to lawful visitors and migrants while firmly protecting its sovereignty, borders and national security.

Illegal entry and unlawful occupation must be addressed through effective enforcement, accountability and the rule of law without prejudice against any nationality or community.

Our authorities must uphold their responsibilities with integrity, fairness and without compromise.

Religious freedom must never become religious confrontation. Cultural pride must never become racial arrogance.

Malaysia belongs to its people, regardless of race or religion. Our children deserve a peaceful nation, not one divided by suspicion, intolerance or fear.

Respect costs nothing, but disrespect can destroy generations of harmony! Let us protect our diversity, uphold justice and strengthen the Malaysian spirit – today, tomorrow and forever.

KASH 2026

Petaling Jaya