IN CONJUNCTION with Wesak Day, MCA wishes all Buddhists in our country a Happy Wesak Day. This year’s celebration is also very special, as we are still in the midst of Hari Raya and open house events held in conjunction with Hari Raya.
The combination of these two different religious festivals further highlights the uniqueness of Malaysia as a multicultural country where our diversity is celebrated as a strength, rather than an obstacle to unity.
Malaysia’s recipe for success, among others, signifies the success of our country’s education system, where mutual respect and goodwill have been instilled in us since primary school.
In any multicultural country, the spirit of harmony, respect among multiracial communities, and acceptance of each other’s differences are deemed as important values that should be nurtured to ensure peace and national unity, and Malaysia is a prime example.
MCA, as one of the founding parties of Malaysia, is committed towards ensuring harmony and justice for all people regardless of race or religion. We have upheld this principle from our founding and will continue to defend peace and stability nationwide.
We are indeed fortunate that the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multiculturalism provides us with the opportunity to familiarise with other faiths and religious traditions, in addition to the cultures of other races.
Indirectly, these inculcate in us to be more inclusive and open, and thereby are assets that enhance Malaysia to become a tourist and investment attraction to foreign countries.
Therefore, let us maintain harmonious relations among the races and religions, and prevent miscreants from breeding hatred against one another.
Let us set aside all suspicion and prejudice. Along with the Malaysian Family concept expounded by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, we must always be rational and respect each other, seek common ground among us and strive to maintain peace and harmony in the country. – May 15, 2022
Cally Ting Zhao Song is MCA’s ethnic relations and religious affairs bureau chairperson.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia
