Christmas is a festivity to be celebrated with joy by all Malaysians, and for the first time the government has offered toll-free travels along the country’s highways this Christmas, adding an additional dose of joy for the festive celebration

In addition, this is also the first time the government has waived toll charges for highway users during the celebration of four major festivities within a year (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas). This shows that the Unity Government is treating all religious festivities equally.

As Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan has said, waiving of highway toll charges during Christmas shows that the Unity Government is helping to relieve the financial burden of Malaysians irrespective of race and religion.

Even though we cannot expect to see snow flakes in December in tropical Malaysia, the festive mood to celebrate Christmas is still strong. This is a festive season full of love and forgiveness, and there is absolutely no room for radicalism and hatred.

In a multicultural society like ours, the celebration of various festivities by all irrespective of race and religion helps deepen integration, promote tolerance, and fortify the foundation of inter-community relations, especially at a time when political fights are getting increasingly intense, with politicians exploiting racial and religious issues to fan public sentiment, and when inter-community relations are under tremendous pressure.

We urgently need a peaceful festive ambience to remind us of the importance of love and inclusivity.

For decades, we have been taking pride in our relatively harmonious multiculturalism. Without the slightest doubt, there are indeed differences among the so many different ethnic groups in this country, but it is the amalgamation of such diverse cultures that has made Malaysia is a truly unique, beautiful and colourful country.

At the same time, the differences in our multicultural society have also expanded our scope of vision, allowing us to see beyond our respective cultural circles to appreciate things that are inherently different from ours.

Malaysia’s multiculturalism is a blessing, a reality everyone living on this land should recognise and accept, and an advantage we all should harness to stay competitive in this world.

Unfortunately, some irresponsible politicians have kept exploiting racial and religious issues to further divide us and entrench our inter-community contradictions.

This is a disastrous development in any multi-ethnic society, and we need responsible politicians to stand up and stop such divisions in rebuilding interracial relations.

We must never allow the hatred peddled by irresponsible politicians to slowly eat into our social tolerance.

In a recent meeting with students, PM Anwar Ibrahim insisted that he is a prime minister for all Malaysians and he would therefore not focus on or take care of any specific community but all Malaysians from various backgrounds.

The prime minister also mentioned that he would accept any negative comment on his policies, but would not allow anyone attempting to instil any ill-feeling against any race or religion. He said that while the opposition could disagree with him, they must not try to divide this nation in the name of race and religion.

It is hoped that all quarters will take heed of the advice of the prime minister and stop playing racist cards to advance their personal gains.

Be it Malays, Chinese, Indians, or Dayaks, we are all equal citizens of this country, who must live together peacefully and harmoniously to build up this country together. Inter-community disharmony and hostility will only create more problems and jeopardise social stability and unity.

To tackle instigation and incitement from rogue politicians, inter-religious dialogues are essential , as this will help reinforce mutual understanding and tolerance.

It is hoped that Malaysians from all walks of life will get to see the true colours of such despicable politicians and not to be led by the nose by these people.

We need to realise that any move to stir up inter-community conflicts and divisions will not augur well for the stability of our multicultural society.

Malaysian Consultative Council for Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) pointed out in a Christmas message that racial, religious and cultural diversity will always be the pillar of our strength. “We must continue to uphold it and not play up to the disruptive tune of those with mischievous ambitions to distract and divide us.”

We hope that in this festive season, we can get along peacefully with people around us, and share the wonderful moments of joy.

Unfortunately, at different corners of our planet, there is still no sign of peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, while there’s no end in sight for the conflicts between Israel and Palestine.

We must treasure the stability and peace we are now enjoying, and strive to promote love and forgiveness. We must never allow the hatred peddled by irresponsible politicians to slowly eat into our social tolerance.

Merry Christmas to all Malaysians. May love and peace prevail!