Emma Menon,5 (2nd left), Zachary Menon,7 and their aunt Michelle Nathan enjoying the Christmas festivities by participating in a Christmas tree workshop with Santa Claus. It is one of the activities lined up at Sunway Velocity Mall, Kuala Lumpur featuring theme " Christmas Colourama".—SAMUEL ONG/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Cabinet have extended their Christmas greetings to all Malaysians celebrating the day, expressing hopes that the occasion would further strengthen unity among the people, and for everyone to embrace diversity.
“I often emphasise that the differences in race and culture are the recipe for prosperity in any country that seeks harmony and peace based on the principle of coexistence,” said Anwar.
“Therefore, any efforts to plant the seeds of division or provoke racial conflict must be avoided because it is evident that we need and complement each other, especially in efforts to build a successful and capable national identity,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook yesterday.
He added that Malaysia should not fail or be disrupted due to the interests of a few groups.
“The values and principles of universal justice must be elevated to inspire the great aspirations and hopes of the nation’s founders, who envisioned this country leading the way toward a bright future and national dignity.
“Merry Christmas to all Christians, with a reminder to spend quality time with your loved ones on this special day and to nurture love among humanity,” said Anwar.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also extended good wishes to Malaysians celebrating Christmas.
“It’s more than the decorations, gifts and festivities. It’s the love, kindness and joy we carry within us and share with others.
“Let’s make this season truly meaningful by spreading the spirit of Christmas everywhere we go,” he said in a Facebook posting.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he hopes the celebration would further boost unity among the people across the country.
“May this season of joy bring us closer together as one family, celebrating our shared values and diversity. Let us embrace the spirit of togetherness to strengthen our bonds and work hand in hand towards building a brighter, more prosperous future for Malaysia.
“May unity light the path for Malaysia to achieve greater heights,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this was the time to reflect on the beauty of togetherness.
“Let us continue to embrace our rich diversity with open hearts and create a Malaysia where peace and understanding shine brighter than ever. Together we can build a brighter future,” he said.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in his message, emphasised that as a multiracial and multicultural nation, Malaysia’s diverse communities should seize the opportunity to foster bonds within the Malaysia Madani framework.
Festive fun: Edward Taji Ranti from Kampung Semaba in Kuching helping his granddaughter to hang a bauble on a Christmas tree in their home as the family gets ready to celebrate Christmas. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
“May this year’s Christmas celebrations be vibrant, bringing peace, harmony, prosperity, and unity to our country. To those travelling home, I urge everyone to stay vigilant and exercise caution on the road. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,” he said.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also conveyed her wishes for a meaningful Christmas to all Christians as they commemorate the birth of Jesus.
“For unto us a Child is born, and we have every reason to give thanks,” she said in a Facebook post.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan urged Malaysians to continue fostering unity, harmony, and wellbeing among all races.
“Let us come together and unite to support and respect followers of all religions. This is the time to highlight the values held by Christians and other religions, as well as mutual respect, tolerance towards each other and helping those less fortunate,” he said.
Ramanan, who is also the Sungai Buloh MP, said he had donated funds from his salary and allowances to churches in his constituency, as well as the Sungai Buloh Parliament Service Centre and Yayasan Bank Rakyat which are distributing food baskets to B40 Christian families.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup conveyed his Christmas wishes, hoping that the festive season would bring joy and happiness to all.
Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy said all festive seasons including Christmas are marked by various events and messages that emphasise harmony among Malaysia’s multicultural society.
“Christmas celebrated by Christians and embraced by the wider community is a reflection of the nation’s rich cultural diversity and commitment to unity.
“The Prime Minister, in his Christmas message, highlighted the importance of embracing diversity and fostering unity in Malaysia,” she said when contacted, adding that the greetings from other ministers also echoed this sentiment.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari extended his Christmas greetings, too, saying that one of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time with the special people in one’s life.
“As we look forward to the New Year, I believe it is a time to build on the values of growing together sustainably and to build on the progress we have made this year so that 2025 will be an even better year,” he said.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabahans should continue to be together as a united society and celebrate diversity and faith.
“I hope that we will continue to remain committed to unity and tolerance. In the spirit of Christmas, let us spend some time to reflect on our similarities that have united the people and remain focused on strengthening these values,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Sabah STAR are holding a joint Christmas open house at the Hongkod Koisan hall at the Kadazandusun Cultural Centre today from 10am to 1pm. This is the second year that the two parties are jointly hosting a Christmas open house.
PBS youth chief Christoper Mandut, who also serves as the event’s organising chairman, said that there will be a host of activities held during this event. The Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Hajiji will be among some 6,000 people expected to join in the celebration.
Pakatan Harapan’s Upko president Datuk Ewon Benedick is scheduled to hold the Penampang MP’s Christmas open house at Buhavan Square in Donggongon near here on Dec 28.
Meanwhile, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan extended his Christmas greetings, with the hope that this year’s celebration is marked with joy, peace and safety, as in previous years.
“As the third-largest religious community in the country, Christian holidays are a vital part of Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry. These celebrations not only add vibrancy to our shared experiences but also foster a deeper sense of respect, understanding and unity.
“PAS embraces and celebrates the enriching aspects of this experience and its positive impact towards building a higher quality and more moral society, grounded in noble and sacred values.
“With shared historical roots in the Abrahamic faiths, Muslims and Christians in Malaysia share significant commonalities – not only in foundational beliefs and practices but also in our collective capacity to contribute meaningfully to the creation of a better nation,” said Takiyuddin.
