KUALA LUMPUR, 8 May 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, today called on Malaysians not to focus on differences between one another, but instead to actively look for similarities and common ground.
“In the spirit of human progress, in the spirit of developing this great country, in the spirit of 1Malaysia,” he said in his Wesak Day message, which would be celebrated by Buddhists all over the world.
“Tomorrow, many here in Malaysia and all over the world are celebrating Wesak Day, the most holy time in the Buddhist calendar. It is a day when the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha is commemorated.
“It is also a day on which special efforts are made to bring happiness to others, especially the disadvantaged. In honour of Wesak Day, I would like to extend the Buddhist community my deepest respects.
“Wesak Day celebrations and values are centuries-old. These traditions, and the Buddha’s message of universal peace to mankind, add to our society’s rich heritage,” he said in the message posted on his blog at www.1malaysia.com.my.
He said it was this diverse heritage that has been the foundation of Malaysia’s hard fought harmony, the foundation of the country’s success.
The Prime Minister also commended the charitable actions of all those celebrating Wesak, as they were thinking of others and undertaking small acts of charity for others facing hardship.
“All of us could learn from this generosity, and we should seek to extend it throughout the year to all Malaysians. What I admire the most about this faith is that it encourages all Buddhists to achieve this state of fulfilment through peaceful ways.
“This is a community that firmly believes in doing good to ensue long-lasting returns and accepting others amidst our differences. The Buddhist moral code is admirable and similar values are shared by most faiths. Regardless of religion, ethnicity or creed, there is so much that makes us similar. As humans and as Malaysians,” the Prime Minister said.
Najib hoped to hear more from the Buddhist community in his interactions with the rakyat, whether on the street, at events, or through his website. — Bernama
Peter says
Who would bother to listen to you Najib. You have lost your credibility. Cakap tak serupa bikin
Eric says
Najib got selective memory issues, just like his ex-boss TDM, it appears. Who was waving the keris seeking Chinese blood prior to Ops Lalang?
Pratamad says
Judging from how he has turned his 1Malaysia into 1BlackMalaysia (or even 1FearMalaysia as Yeo Yang Pang has called it) in Ipoh using police force and disregard to basic rule of law, we should regard Najib’s message here as a veiled threat. Or at best, just another PR exercise. “Cakap tak sama bikin.”
Debbie Lim says
Question is: why does our PM only start about talking about looking out for similarities and the human good after 46 years of Malaysia being formed? Can you blame we ordinary beings for being skeptical?
Malaysian politics and governance started ‘with a mighty faultline’ which become more and more irreparable with each passing year. When we are brought up in an environment based on race and religion and being taught our differences by emphasising special treatments based on race and religion, this is the result of it all. A country divided!
When you grow up knowing there is no such thing and equity and justice and all is based on race, religion and connections, can you blame us for being suspicious and skeptical when we are being told that we are all equal?
40+ years to come along this far, how far must we go to return to the original line?
The politics of divisiveness is not from ordinary people, it is the doing of the politicians. To protect their own interests, they play on the emotions of the people to gain power. They allow the structure of good governance to deteriorate to a state quite beyond repair.
As for we ordinary beings, we just have to adapt to survive and watch with a mixture of disgust, despair and skepticism.