A message of peace for all
Selangor MB reads out pope’s quotes at state Christmas do
KAJANG: Peace on earth to men and women of goodwill, who work quietly and patiently each day, in their families and in society, to build a more humane and just world.
That was taken from Pope Francis’ 2016 Christmas message.
And who quoted the pope at the state-level Christmas open house on Saturday night?
None other than Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari, who also read out another line from the pope’s message: “Peace to men and women in the war-torn land of Syria, where far too much blood has been spilled.”
The Christmas open house also saw Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Julian Leow being called on stage to say the blessings before dinner was served.
Amirudin, urging visitors to use the event as an opportunity to become better acquainted with other members of the community, reminded them of their responsibility to preserve harmony in a multi-
racial and multireligious society.
“I am happy to see that people of different races have come to this Christmas celebration. This is
where Selangor derives its strength and greatness as a cosmopolitan state that rejects all elements of racial and religious chauvinism,” he
told the crowd who gathered at a field near the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) building.
To strengthen his point, Amirudin said the Quran, among others, teaches Muslims that they must get to know others including those from different tribes or nations.
“Security and unity will not be achieved if we do not know or are suspicious of each other. Therefore, the people of Selangor must foster the spirit of belonging, unity and peace among each other,” he said.
Mutual respect and appreciation of diversity should be preserved and recognised as a key element to the socio-economic progress of the country, he added.
“We must reject all negative influences that can cause prejudice, violence and divide us,” he said.
Among those at the function were Selangor Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Hee Loy Sian, Kajang OCPD ACP Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof, MPKj deputy president Najmuddin Jemain and Lutheran Church Malaysia bishop Aaron Yap.