PETALING JAYA: The King and Queen wish all Christians in Malaysia a Merry Christmas.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah sent their messages of peace and happiness in a Facebook post yesterday.
“May this celebration bring peace, harmony, joy and good health to all Christians in Malaysia,” their Majesties said in a post on Istana Negara’s Facebook page.
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Malaysian leaders also sent warm wishes to those celebrating Christmas, and they asked the people to spare a thought for others facing hardship like floods and the Batang Kali landslide.
Wishing all Christians in the country a Merry Christmas, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the nation is made up of diverse races and cultures.
“As such, it’s become a norm for each Malaysian to foster closer ties among one another by wishing each other well during festivities.
“Sowing the seeds of unity not only rests on the government’s shoulders, but each citizen must also play a part in preserving harmony and the spirit of unity.
“Messages stemming from hate and attempts to divide the people must be extinguished with love and grace,” said Anwar in his post on Facebook.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the country was indeed special, with people of various creeds and colours living in peace and harmony.
“We must always respect and appreciate our diversity as the unique foundation to our people’s well being and nation’s prosperity,” he said.
“Nevertheless, let’s not forget our friends and family who are facing natural disasters, floods and others,” he added.
Fellow Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wished all Malaysians, especially those from the Christian community, a Merry Christmas.
“May everybody receive happiness and enjoy this time with your family and friends.
“At the same time, I urge everyone to take some time to reflect on recent developments, such as the Batang Kali tragedy and floods in the east coast.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also extended Christmas greetings to all Malaysians. “Wishing all my friends and family a blessed Christmas! May you feel the love and warmth that this season of giving brings. Let us be reminded to be the beacon of light that spreads joy and hope with kindness to those around us. Merry Christmas 2022!,” he wrote on Facebook.
As the year comes to an end, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said many would look forward to welcoming a new year with peace and hope while celebrating with loved ones.
“While we celebrate, let us not forget those who are faced with hardships, sorrow and loneliness.
“In the past week, we have learnt of the tragedy at Batang Kali where many lives were lost including young children. My condolences to the families of the bereaved,” she said.
Nancy also noted that many states were affected by floods throughout the week, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu.
“To those who feel there is no hope, know that it is only temporary and that it will pass. Remember that hope always comes in the darkest part before dawn,” she added.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil extended his greetings to all Christians and wished everyone a happy new year.
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Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also sent his Christmas greetings to all Christians, both in and out of the country.
“May this Christmas celebration keep the spirit of the Malaysian Family alive and strengthen national integration in our beloved country,” he said in a Facebook post.
Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Christmas celebration reflected the peace and harmony among the people.
“It also proves that the right of each individual to practise their respective religions peacefully is constantly upheld, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu reminded Malaysians to spare a thought for the flood victims.
“Let us come together and provide assistance to help them,” he said.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in a Facebook post, said: “Merry Christmas everyone from me to you and everyone in your household.”
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) wishes a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a fruitful new year to all Malaysians.
As a multicultural and multireligious nation, the council called for Malaysians to be tolerant and accepting of one another.
