THIS year has been a very difficult one for my family as we faced my failing health and spending the last nine months in India because of it.
But 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 sugar coating the pain the global issues and the natural disasters caused our nation and our people.
But we as Malaysians kept hope and kept faith to the fact that regardless how dark the night, the sun always rises in the morning.
And finally, after so many political failures the sun rose at the end of last year and a government of the true moderate majority was formed. Led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, a prime minister for not some, but for all.
A government where all the moderates, all those that now rejected race baiting, fear, ignorance and hate found a new home.
The Malaysian soul is safe, for now, but we cannot take it for granted as those that want power and position will do anything to have it.
We must stay vigilant, and we just also be 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 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 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 and festive season 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, 2023
Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar is chairman and chief executive of PETRA Group
