Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Urges Malaysians to Rise Above Racial and Regional Lines
A Call for National Unity
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to rise above championing their own race or region, and to instead focus on national development and fostering greater unity. Speaking at a Chinese New Year open house at the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Anwar called for a renewed focus on national unity, urging Malaysians to look beyond racial and regional lines to drive economic progress.
“We must focus and not be distracted by issues that arise. Our nation is a multi-racial, multi-religious country with different regions and states,” he said. “Such ‘issues’ often arise because a small segment (of Malaysians) want to be heroes for their respective race, or area and region,” he added.
Cultural and Religious Interactions
Touching on cultural and religious interactions, Anwar said Malaysia had long been a country where different communities took part in each other’s traditions. “I have no problem with Malays going to Chinese New Year or Thaipusam celebrations. For decades, this was never an issue. Why should long-standing traditions suddenly become a problem?,” he added.
Controversy Over Christmas Celebration
Last month, PAS stirred controversy after criticising the housing and local government ministry for organising a Christmas celebration at its headquarters in Putrajaya. They claimed Muslims had also joined in the celebration. PAS argued that Muslims were prohibited from getting directly involved in celebrations of faiths that went against Islamic teachings.
However, Minister Nga Kor Ming dismissed PAS’s criticism, saying the celebration underscored the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multicultural society and that he would continue to defend the fundamental liberties of Malaysians. He also said the participants in the celebration included Sabahans and Sarawakians who were Christian.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s call for Malaysians to rise above racial and regional lines is a timely reminder of the importance of national unity and cohesion. As a multi-racial and multi-religious country, Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity, and it is essential that we celebrate and respect each other’s traditions and beliefs. By doing so, we can build a more harmonious and prosperous society for all.
FAQs
Q: What is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s message to Malaysians?
A: He urges Malaysians to rise above racial and regional lines and focus on national development and unity.
Q: Why is national unity important?
A: National unity is essential for Malaysia’s progress and prosperity. It allows us to celebrate and respect each other’s traditions and beliefs, and to build a more harmonious society.
Q: What is the controversy surrounding the Christmas celebration?
A: PAS criticised the housing and local government ministry for organising a Christmas celebration at its headquarters in Putrajaya, claiming that Muslims were prohibited from participating. However, Minister Nga Kor Ming dismissed the criticism, saying that the celebration was a celebration of Malaysia’s multicultural society.