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Published: Thursday December 25, 2014 MYT 12:00:00 AM
Updated: Thursday December 25, 2014 MYT 9:12:00 AM

Political leaders united in wishing M’sians a Merry Christmas

PETALING JAYA: Politicians of different faiths, from both Barisan Nasional and the Opposition, were united in wishing Malaysians a Merry Christmas.
“To all our friends celebrating Christmas, merry, merry Christmas,” said Defence Minister and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein in a tweet.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri also tweeted her greetings.
“May the coming new year bring us all together as a harmonious nation,” she said.
Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong said Malaysians should heed the timeless and universal message of Christmas, whereby society should continue its path guided by faith and kindness.
“Christmas is an opportunity for us to spread the meaning of togetherness, understanding and love among Malaysians,” he said.
MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel hoped the less fortunate and those living in poverty were not forgotten.
“We should extend a helping hand to those who need assistance. Get them involved in the merry-making,” he said, adding that Malaysians should also forgive those “who have done ill to us and learn to live harmoniously.”
PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said a sense of love and unity in families must be fostered within the society and should cut across faiths and race.
“May the new year promise something more meaningful with our commitment for togetherness based on justice and fairness,” said the Opposition Leader.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang urged Malaysian moderates to persevere in their mission for harmony and tolerance in the country.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said Sabahans should be proud that they have, over the decades, rose beyond differences that came with diversity and focused on similarities to move forward.
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said the state’s social harmony did not come by chance and that racism elsewhere in the country would not affect the state.
Another former Cabinet minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim tweeted: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all Christians. May the country remain free to people of all religions and faith.”
Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin joined in the chorus, wishing Selamat Hari Natal to all.
“Let us make this celebration a catalyst in uniting our diverse society, living together harmoniously and understanding Malaysia’s concept as a nation,” he said.
Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan wished all Christians a happy Christmas.
“Malaysia is a country that respects racial and religious diversity. May all of us remain united and live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee called on all Malaysians to rise beyond differences and find strength in similarities.
“This should be our way of life, whereby we bridge our differences through common values and love for this country,” he said.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar wished all Malaysian Christians Merry Christmas, saying the diversity was what made Malaysia unique.
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