Why is celebrating other festivals an issue now, PM asks
Published: Jan 31, 2025 6:09 PM
Summary
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim criticises those questioning Malays celebrating other ethnic festivals, emphasising the need to focus on unity to strengthen the nation and its economy.
- He urges Malaysians to prioritise national progress, highlighting government efforts to ease the cost of living, including increased cash aid and civil servant salary hikes.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim admonished certain quarters that made an issue about different ethnic groups in the country celebrating the festivals of other communities.
“Some have raised the issue of Malays celebrating Chinese New Year, Thaipusam - things that have never been a problem for decades are now being made into an issue.
“But do we want to entertain this or focus on our unity? Do we choose to continue having differences of opinion, or do we strengthen unity? And why unity? To boost our economy,” Bernama reported him as saying today.
Anwar said this in his speech at a Chinese New Year open house organised by the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) in Ipoh today.
Anwar at the open house
Also present were Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir; Housing and Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming; Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad, and PCCCI president Liew Chee Meng.
‘Focus on progressing nation’
On that note, Anwar urged Malaysians to focus on the nation’s progress and interests rather than issues that could undermine unity.
He said the country should also serve as a model for strong racial unity.
“This country has great potential. There is no need to stir conflicts; (instead), we should uphold the dignity of all communities,” he added.
The Tambun MP said Malaysia is among the countries providing significant contributions to its people to tackle the rising cost of living, demonstrating the government’s concern for this global issue.
“For example, the STR (Rahmah Cash Aid) has increased to RM13 billion. That is why we have increased it, because we know the cost of living has gone up.
“This is a problem faced by the whole world, and I have also raised the salaries of civil servants as they have not been increased for 12 years,” Anwar added.
‘Focus on progressing nation’
On that note, Anwar urged Malaysians to focus on the nation’s progress and interests rather than issues that could undermine unity.
He said the country should also serve as a model for strong racial unity.
“This country has great potential. There is no need to stir conflicts; (instead), we should uphold the dignity of all communities,” he added.
The Tambun MP said Malaysia is among the countries providing significant contributions to its people to tackle the rising cost of living, demonstrating the government’s concern for this global issue.
“For example, the STR (Rahmah Cash Aid) has increased to RM13 billion. That is why we have increased it, because we know the cost of living has gone up.
“This is a problem faced by the whole world, and I have also raised the salaries of civil servants as they have not been increased for 12 years,” Anwar added.
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