The joyful season is here again. For the past few weeks, shopping malls and eateries have been playing Christmas songs, with colourful decoration dotting every corner. Kids are enjoying their school holidays while the adults are clearing their annual leave. Christmas, like any other festivals in Malaysia, is celebrated together by everyone. It is not just a religious event but a festive day and holiday for each of us to spend time with our loved ones.
Christmas is synonymous with happiness, peace and love. It is also a reminder that a new year is approaching. Malaysia remains united despite the differences in her people’s faith and ethnicity. It is of utmost importance to have peace within ourselves. When there is peace in our hearts, we will have peace with others and then the country will be peaceful and in harmony. Religion should not be a reason for division amongst Malaysians but should be a unifying factor to bring us all together, for the simple reason that religions teach only good values to its devotees. Diversity must remain as the strength of Malaysia, for us to move forward as a people and to develop as a nation.
In Penang, everyone is treated equally. No one is left behind or marginalized in our daily rat race for economic success to the family, to the state of Penang and to the nation as a whole. This is evident when Penang is the first state in Malaysia to have Gawai-Kaamatan Festival annually outside of Sabah and Sarawak. We are proud of our rich historical background and diversity in cultures and traditions. The Penang State Government ardently wishes to continue this legacy left behind by our forefathers to preserve our uniqueness in the field of arts, heritage, festivals and celebration.
For this reason, the Penang State Government this year allocated a total of RM1.33 million to the 21 mission schools across the state for the upgrading of facilities. On average, each of these schools received between RM10,000 and RM80,000. If one were to take into consideration the total amount allocated since 2009 when this policy of state financial aid to schools was first implemented, it would be RM11.4 million. Such is the commitment of the State Government towards the preservation of our heritage and cultural diversity which even concerned education.
While most of us would be feasting, be it the Christians or others who are enjoying the holiday, be mindful at all times not to waste food. Penang has a policy of no food wastage and no single-use of plastic. Let us all as peace-loving Malaysians take this opportunity to reach out to the needy ones as it is always better to give than to receive.
Let’s spread the message of love and peace in this moment of violent upheavals in many parts of the world. Stop the hatred towards people who are different from you and me, be it their physical ability, skin colour, social status, creed, beliefs or even sexual orientation. While the state is moving towards Penang2030, a family-focused green and smart state, we should also focus on moderation in everything that we do.
I pray that Penang will always be a safe and peaceful state, free from crime, disasters and radicalism and above all, filled with love amongst her people for one another because I always believe in“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” [Luke 2:14].
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.