This year has been very difficult for the world. It’s not been easy for my family either as I recover from a heart transplant, with tuna fee touch and go situations along the way, and the strength and determination needed to rebuild some of the companies I had been absent from for nearly two years.
With the global economic strains, wars, terrorism and war crimes, it has been a far more difficult and devastating period for many thousands more.
There is no sugarcoating the pain the global issues and natural disasters have caused many nations and people - especially the Palestinians.
But we Malaysians kept hope and faith in the fact that, regardless of how dark the night is, the sun always rises in the morning.
All those who now rejected race-baiting, fear, ignorance and hate found a new home.
With the re-emergence and strengthening of Sarawak and Sabah—guardians of our nation’s true identity and aspirations—the Malaysian soul is safe for now.
But we cannot take it for granted, as those who want power and position will do anything to have it. We must stay vigilant and pragmatic.
For now pragmatic idealism is what we need to show.
There is something special about this season, this period of the year, that's different.
We somehow move away from the baser instincts of our nature and turn towards the things that make humanity special, we turn towards the light.
We look for the best in ourselves and each other, and for this short period, we find it. We start to listen to the better angels of our nature.
The people of this incredible nation showed this in how they threw themselves at helping, and saving, lives during the floods and landslides the Malaysian people showed their mettle and their unity.
I don't know what awaits us after this life, and involuntarily I keep peaking at the edge and am still no wiser.
But I know I love everything I have here and now, and I will keep celebrating it, every day. I hope you do too.
Why? Because the sun will always rise again. Each day gives us renewed hope, and the opportunity to do better.
To all my friends and those who, regardless of religion, adopt this period to just celebrate life and all that is good and joyful, and await a new year with hope - I wish you a wonderful Christmas, holidays and festive season, filled with love, joy, forgiveness, compassion and family.
May The almighty of everything bless us all and bless Malaysia.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all from me, Winy, Petra, and Tara. - December 25, 2024
Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar is chairman and chief executive of PETRA Group
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