In 2015, the whole world was constantly embroiled in unstable conditions, where Syria is still plagued by civil wars, the rise of extremist group ISIS and it has since perpetrated some violent attacks around the world, wars and conflicts are still continued. Many innocent people forced to migrate from their war-torn homeland and the issue of refugees has becomes a vital issue among countries.
As we know that France has been hit by terrorist attacks twice in 2015. In early January, the armed men who are identified as religious fanatics attacked the office of the satirical magazine in Paris; ten months later, the City of Light was attacked again, but with even more devastating consequence, with 129 killed and several hundreds injured. Early in this month, a major shooting spree was occurred in San Bernadino, California, and 14 people were killed as a result.
I believe all religions are good intentioned, but under various circumstances, religion might be distorted and reduced to the pretext of some violence, power grabbing and exploitation. The practice of racism that certainly irrelevant now, must be eradicated in this era, otherwise the peacefulness of our society will be threatened, and the inter-relationship of the ethnics will continue to be undermined.
As a matter of fact, every country might face with some grave threats that rooted in the inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts, and Malaysia is no exception.
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural country, racism is already a thing of past in this country, and we still need to strive to shortened and eliminate the gaps and barriers that come with the differences between different religions as well as cultures.
Sabah and Sarawak are the exemplar for Malaysia in this area, and I’m particularly proud of it. Sabahans have been live together harmoniously for so many decades, despite of our diversity in ethnicity, language, culture and religion. Racism and extremist variants of religious thoughts are virtually not welcomed over here, for Sabahans are very disliking those matters that can damage social harmony.
If we don’t put our efforts to make our country a successful multi-religious and multi-cultural country, then religious and racial conflicts will certainly be the time bomb in our country, and causing disastrous damages on us.
During this sacred festivity, I sincerely hope and wish that the religious and racial confrontations in Malaysia can be eradicated, and in its place are love and peace-loving spirit that transcends all boundaries.
On this day that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, we should emulate the love of Jesus, the unconditional sacrificial spirit of Jesus that being demonstrated when he died on the cross. As it is written in Bible, love is unending and last forever.
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The Gospel of Luke 2:14
I would like to wish Christian a very merry Christmas, and everyone a fruitful and joyous holiday season. May peace and joy be with you.