New Straits Times

PM, LEADERS SEND MESSAGE OF LOVE

It is the time to spend quality time with family, friends, says Najib

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NOR AIN MOHAMED KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my

NATIONAL leaders have called on Malaysians to spread the message of love during this Christmas season. Leading the way was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who, in his Christmas message via a 30-second video clip, said Christmas was more than opening presents.

“It is more about opening our hearts and a time to celebrate the love between us — our families, friends and all fellow Malaysians.

“This is a season of joy, giving and families united. It is truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it the most.

“2017 has gone by in the blink of

an eye. Indeed, the year has passed as quickly as it began and we have achieved many great things together as a nation,” he said in a post on his Twitter and Facebook accounts on Saturday, as well as a post in his blog yesterday.

He told Malaysians that now would also be the time to “reflect and spend quality time with our families and friends, especially our fellow Malaysian Christian

and Catholic friends”.

“I would like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all Malaysians celebratin­g and a Happy New Year to all,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, meanwhile, posted his Christmas and New Year greetings on his Twitter page.

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2018. #Negaraku #NewYear,” tweeted Zahid.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is also MCA president, in a 38-second video clip posted on his Facebook page, called on Malaysians to be cautious and obey traffic rules when on the road during this festive season.

Plantation Industries and Commoditie­s Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, on his Facebook page, said: “Christmas celebratio­n by all Malaysians is a strong testament to our racial and religious diversity.

“We should focus more on shared values and integratio­n within our diverse society.”

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said on Facebook: “Christmas is the season of giving, especially to the needy.

“During this season of giving, let us remember to place the wellbeing of others above ours to make the world a kinder place. Merry Christmas to you and family.”

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammudd­in Hussein also took to Twitter to wish Malaysians a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid in wishing those celebratin­g Christmas a joyous time, said: “The spirit of tolerance, goodwill and compassion among Malaysians will continue to grow by respecting the diversity of festive seasons and beliefs.”

 ?? PIC BY ROSELA ISMAIL ?? A family joining in the Christmas celebratio­n at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.
PIC BY ROSELA ISMAIL A family joining in the Christmas celebratio­n at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.
 ?? BERNAMA PIC ?? Carollers singing Christmas tunes near the Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
BERNAMA PIC Carollers singing Christmas tunes near the Kuching Waterfront yesterday.
 ?? PIX FROM PM’S TWITTER ACCOUNT ?? A screenshot of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Christmas message.
PIX FROM PM’S TWITTER ACCOUNT A screenshot of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Christmas message.

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