THIS year has been sadly even more challenging than last year, and to many, personally devastating.
There is no sugarcoating the pain the pandemic and natural disasters had caused our nation and our people.
But we, as Malaysians, kept hope and kept faith in the fact that regardless of how dark the night is, the sun always rises in the morning.
Finally, after so many political failures, the sun rose at the end of this year, and a government of the true moderate majority was formed, led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – a prime minister of not some, but for all.
A government where all the moderates, all those who rejected race-baiting, fear, ignorance and hate, have found a new home.
The Malaysian soul is safe, for now.
There is something special about this season and this period of the year that is 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 actually find it. We actually 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, 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 peeking 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 opportunity to do better.
To all my Christian friends and to the rest of us who adopt this period to just celebrate life and all that is good and joyful, I wish you a wonderful Christmas filled with love, joy, forgiveness, compassion and family.
May the Almighty of everything bless us all and bless Malaysia.
Merry Christmas to one and all from me, Winy, Petra, Tara, and the entire Petra Group family. – The Vibes, December 25, 2022
Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar is chairman and chief executive of PETRA Group
