KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians have been remined to embrace the different festivals celebrated by their fellow citizens because this practice remained the cornerstone of the country's unity.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said every festive celebration was an opportunity to reinforce racial unity and harmony through the values of tolerance and mutual respect.
He said this when conveying his Christmas wishes today.
"Wishing a joyful Christmas to Malaysians who celebrate! Let every festival, embraced by people of different races, become the cornerstone of unity. This is the key to racial harmony and prosperity of our nation.
"May the unity and wellbeing we cherish endure, ensuring a legacy for generations to come," he wrote on Facebook.
Other cabinet minister also took to social media to convey their Christmas greetings.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Christmas should be a time for the strengthening of bonds between Malaysians in the peninsula and those from Sabah and Sarawak.
He said it was also a perfect opportunity for families and all members of the community to gather to forge closer ties.
Loke said it was for these reasons that the Transport Ministry established the FlySiswa initiative and the cap on flight ticket prices between East and West Malaysia during festive seasons. This government's initiative made commenced during this Christmas season.
"Much work went into making these initiatives possible, but every additional minute they bring families together makes those efforts worthwhile.
"As we reconnect with our loved ones, let it be a reminder of our collective duty as Malaysians to nurture a society rooted in empathy and kindness," said Loke, while giving Christmas greetings to all Christians and wishing all Malaysians a happy holiday.
He said that as Transport Minister and a fellow Malaysian, he felt that the bond between East and West of our federation is a priority.
"Christmas is a time for compassion and empathy. These universal values are also embodied in the Malaysia Madani concept that guides the unity government's policies."
Meanwhile, Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani conveyed his Christmas on Facebook, while also wishing Malaysians a prosperous new year.
He prayed for the country's peace and wellbeing as Malaysians celebrated the yuletide season.
"Merry Christmas to all my friends who will be celebrating this auspicious occasion. May God bless our country with peace, harmony, stability and happiness. Happy New Year," said Johari , who is Umno vice-president, on Facebook.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud also called for harmony among various ethnicities and religions.
He said the practice, which has been upheld for a long time, must be maintained to ensure continuous peace.
He said while wealth and riches were easily obtainable, peace and harmony within a multiracial and multireligious society did not come about easily.
"Peace and harmony cannot be bought but must be earned through acceptance and mutual respect.
"This is our greatest asset that must be valued, preserved, and upheld at all times," said Taib in his Christmas message.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas urged the people to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during the festivities.
"Everyone please do be very cautious, especially the elderly, children and those with comorbidities. Do not let Covid-19 be the Grinch that will steal your Christmas joy.
"Practice the standard operating procedures to avoid both infection and transmission," he said.
Pas also wished Christians in the country a Merry Christmas when its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan extended holiday greeting on behalf of the party.
"The harmonious and festive celebration of various religious or cultural events in this country is a manifestation of our culture of gentleness, tolerance and mutual respect that long has been firmly established in our society," he said in a statement.