Love thy neighbours always

Advocate all things good as Easter begins, urge Anifah and Azmin

KOTA KINABALU: Acceptance of religious differences must always be upheld, especially so in the face of extremism, says Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

The Foreign Minister said it was sad when “the beauty of acceptance fades amid extremism”, adding that Malaysians had forgotten the values they shared such as love and respect for one another.

Growing up in Sabah, with its highly diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, Anifah said he understood the importance of Easter.

“Good Friday marks the solemn beginning of the Easter weekend, the holiest Christian holiday.

“Across the denominations, the themes of sacrifice and resurrection are embraced as the leitmotif.

“These values are not alien to me because as a Muslim, I was raised to respect and cherish everyone – regardless of their creed,” said Anifah in his Good Friday public message yesterday.

Anifah also said that he had been promoting moderation and religious acceptance in his capacity as the Foreign Minister.

“I have taken the promotion of moderation as both a professional and personal responsibility,” he added.

For example, Malaysia successfully ensured that the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Malaysia’s resolution on moderation.

During his tenure as the Foreign Minister, Malaysia also established its diplomatic presence in the Vatican City, an unprecedented move, he said.

“These moves might not be significant to some but to me, it speaks volumes as it reflected our ethos of moderation and acceptance.”

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali penned a similar greeting to all Christians.

“On behalf of the Selangor government, I wish to extend my wishes to all Christians in Selangor and throughout Malaysia who are observing Good Friday and celebrating Easter this weekend.

“Easter reminds us that hope must never be lost because it is based on the renewal of faith.

“Selangor is a microcosm of Malaysia, multi-cultural and multi-religious, where harmony is cherished,” he wrote.

“I firmly believe that our diversity is our strength.”