MIRI: Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni has urged Malaysians to maintain the longstanding tradition of visiting and celebrating festive occasions across communities.
Emphasising the importance of respecting cultural and religious diversity, Lukanisman said these practices are vital to the harmonious identity of the nation.
“Malaysia’s unique diversity has been its strength.
“We have lived in a plural society for so long, and not only have we accepted religious diversity as part of our culture, but we have also consistently nurtured harmony among our multiracial and multi-religious communities,” he said during the Christmas Eight Voices 4.0 programme held at Richard Pie longhouse in Bakas, Sibuti, last night (Oct 5).
He urged the public to continue upholding these values, noting that the mutual respect and appreciation of diversity are crucial to the country’s socio-economic progress.
“Let this Christmas celebration serve as a foundation to strengthen our commitment to unity and reject any attempts by certain parties to create prejudice or conflict among races,” he added.
The Christmas Eight Voices 4.0 programme, co-organized by LIMBANGfm, BINTULUfm, SIBUfm, SRI AMANfm, WAIfm Iban, WAIfm Bidayuh, and REDfm English, drew attendees from various communities to celebrate the festive season in the spirit of harmony.
Lukanisman also called on the people to contribute towards the nation’s prosperity and harmony.
“Let us take steps together, working towards a developed and prosperous Malaysia,” he said.
Also present at the event was RTM Miri station manager, Saiful Arini.
