The spirit of caring and sharing has always kept the nation together whenever its unity was tested, the prime minister said.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in his Christmas message that for the country to continue moving strongly forward, it was paramount for the people to always put the country's interest before other narrowly defined demands.
Malaysia, he said, had for the past 50 years enjoyed the peace that prevailed due to sheer hard work and the strong sense of responsibility of its people.However, he said, some had in recent times tried to instigate unrest."Over the last few months, narrow-mindedness and intolerance, propounded by a small group, have served to test our faith in each other.
"Therefore, in celebrating Christmas today, I am happy to note that Malaysians of all faiths continue the tradition of sharing and caring, a tradition that we have practised all these years.
"Despite all the rhetoric, the great religions of the world practised across Malaysia share many universal beliefs. "None is more evident than our central belief in the power of love and compassion," Abdullah said.
He said Malaysia had indeed seen over the years how love and compassion had helped to break down racial barriers and it had also helped the less fortunate and marginalised.
"In moving forward, we must all believe that Malaysia is truly greater than the sum of her parts." Abdullah said it was in this spirit, as the people celebrate Christmas, that their thoughts must also go out to the unfortunate and all those who face hardship at this time, such as the flood victims.
"Let us lend a helping hand to those who have to spend this festive season in great adversity."Lastly, let me take this opportunity to wish my fellow Malaysians of the Christian faith a very happy Christmas."
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Christmas Wish from a Malaysian Big Guys;
I wish to take this occasion to wish every Christian in Malaysia Merry Christmas. Christmas is not only a season for giving but also for forgiving. - Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Housing and Local Government Minister.
Malaysians can count their blessings. The spirit of co-operation between our diverse communities remains high in spite of challenges along the way. - Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, Energy, Water and Communications Minister.
Peace is the main factor of a country’s stability and as citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure the country’s harmony. - Datuk M. Kayveas, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion. - Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chief Minister of Penang.
Malaysians must continue to instil religious tolerance and understanding of the various cultures and religions. - Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Works Minister.
The best solutions to our country’s problems are not confrontations and violence as seen in and outside the country recently. - Sarawak Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.
Trust, mutual respect and sincerity are the positive traits that we have managed to foster among the people, allowing us to live in harmony. - Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sabah Chief Minister.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said in his Christmas message that for the country to continue moving strongly forward, it was paramount for the people to always put the country's interest before other narrowly defined demands.
Malaysia, he said, had for the past 50 years enjoyed the peace that prevailed due to sheer hard work and the strong sense of responsibility of its people.However, he said, some had in recent times tried to instigate unrest."Over the last few months, narrow-mindedness and intolerance, propounded by a small group, have served to test our faith in each other.
"Therefore, in celebrating Christmas today, I am happy to note that Malaysians of all faiths continue the tradition of sharing and caring, a tradition that we have practised all these years.
"Despite all the rhetoric, the great religions of the world practised across Malaysia share many universal beliefs. "None is more evident than our central belief in the power of love and compassion," Abdullah said.
He said Malaysia had indeed seen over the years how love and compassion had helped to break down racial barriers and it had also helped the less fortunate and marginalised.
"In moving forward, we must all believe that Malaysia is truly greater than the sum of her parts." Abdullah said it was in this spirit, as the people celebrate Christmas, that their thoughts must also go out to the unfortunate and all those who face hardship at this time, such as the flood victims.
"Let us lend a helping hand to those who have to spend this festive season in great adversity."Lastly, let me take this opportunity to wish my fellow Malaysians of the Christian faith a very happy Christmas."
*******
Christmas Wish from a Malaysian Big Guys;
I wish to take this occasion to wish every Christian in Malaysia Merry Christmas. Christmas is not only a season for giving but also for forgiving. - Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, Housing and Local Government Minister.
Malaysians can count their blessings. The spirit of co-operation between our diverse communities remains high in spite of challenges along the way. - Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, Energy, Water and Communications Minister.
Peace is the main factor of a country’s stability and as citizens, it is our responsibility to ensure the country’s harmony. - Datuk M. Kayveas, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Malaysians, while celebrating Christmas, must respect Islam as the country’s official religion. - Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chief Minister of Penang.
Malaysians must continue to instil religious tolerance and understanding of the various cultures and religions. - Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu, Works Minister.
The best solutions to our country’s problems are not confrontations and violence as seen in and outside the country recently. - Sarawak Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.
Trust, mutual respect and sincerity are the positive traits that we have managed to foster among the people, allowing us to live in harmony. - Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Sabah Chief Minister.
