PM’s Chinese New Year message
Malaysians should think of the sensitivities of others whenever they decide to do or say something. The advice comes from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who called on the people to constantly make efforts to maintain peace and harmony so that any tension or conflict, which could affect the harmonious atmosphere or stability, could be avoided,
“In anything that we do or say we should not think only of ourselves but also of those around us,” said the Prime Minister in his Chinese New Year message.
“We have succeeded in building an atmosphere where differences are not only admitted, accepted and tolerated, but celebrated. If this situation is shattered it would be difficult to rebuild it,” he said.
He said the people should be aware that the peace and harmony that they enjoyed now did not come easily or without hard work.
“We should strive to maintain it so that any friction or cracks that could jeopardise the harmonious situation could be avoided,” he said adding that the nation’s success was due to spirit of muhibbah and cooperation regardless of race or religion.
He said Malaysia, which had only gained independence 48 years ago, had come a long way and has made great strides in various fields and at the same time managed to preserve peace and harmony.
He said the arrival of the New Year brought new opportunities and should be welcomed with a determination by each citizen to forge ahead in the right direction with careful planning and proper strategies.
He called on everyone to be steadfast in continuing to be united and work not only for oneself but also for the nation so they could advance further and succeed in a mould of their own making.
Abdullah also reminded the people not to be complacent with the success they had now as greater challenges lay ahead.
“We should not sit on our laurels because the challenges that lie ahead requires us to be ready to face it together. We have to ensure that the coming year is better than the previous one.
“Together we share one soul, one spirit and one mind for our beloved nation,” he said, adding that Malaysians were lucky in that they were able to share in the celebrations of all the races and religions in the country.
Abdullah wished all citizens a Happy Chinese New Year!
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