KUCHING: As the holiday season approaches, Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has called upon Malaysians to prioritise unity and uphold peace amidst challenging times.
In a Christmas message, he stressed the importance of fostering harmonious coexistence within the diverse fabric of Malaysia.
“In Malaysia, despite the exploitation of racial and religious issues by certain political leaders to divide the races, the people live in relative peace and harmony.
“This harmonious coexistence is important in this multi-racial country and is a source of pride for many of us.
“As Christmas approaches, I urge every citizen to play a role in maintaining peace in our country. Each of us has a role to play to ensure that peace prevails for years to come,” he said today (Dec 23).
He pointed out that times are hard for many who are at wits end just to make ends meet, and some are struggling with stress and mental health problems.
“I encourage those in better situations to reach out to the needy and desperate to lend a helping hand where you can. In this way, we can bring some peace and relief to them. This is the true spirit of Christmas,” he added.
During this season, in the days leading to Christmas and reflecting about peace, Baru said he could not help but to think with sadness about what is happening in warring countries around the world such as Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine and several countries in the Middle East and Africa – where peace is very exclusive.
“The suffering of the innocent is unfathomable to us who have never experienced war and conflict. We pray that “relative peace” will come to them soon,” he said.
“May we always live in peace with our neighbours, and may we consider receiving the Prince of Peace in our heart this Christmas. I wish all Christians a Blessed Christmas, and to all, a Happy New Year in 2024,” he added.
