MUCH greater effort is needed across the board, especially in the political front, to turn the Malaysian slogan of "unity in diversity" into a reality on the ground, said Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Bintulu MP and Progressive Democratic Party president said 2024 has seen elements of racial and religious extremes putting a dent into the aspiration of seeing true unity and harmony in the country.
In his Christmas message, Tiong said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is trying very hard to realise the "unity in diversity" slogan by inculcating a sense of "we are all one family in Malaysia despite our differences".
Tiong said we in Malaysia are doing well on the economic front in 2024.
"We have been regaining our economic footing throughout 2024.
"Unfortunately we also saw racial and religious issues stirred up by certain people in the political arena that marred 2024.
"This Christmas is a timely reminder to all that we must put in greater effort to forge unity in diversity and stop stirring up racial and religious disputes.
"Look at the wonderful Christmas decorations everywhere and the nice carols that we can hear.
"Such a beautiful atmosphere....we need to have this every day," said Tiong.
He urged those in the political arenas to stop using race and religion to advance political agendas.
Malaysia can look forward to an even better 2025 if negative racial and religious issues can subside, he stressed. - December 25, 2024
