Zahid: Defend religious harmony

PEACE AND STABILITY: ‘Tolerant mindset key to Bangsa Malaysia’

RELIGIOUS tolerance is the keystone of Bangsa Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said here yesterday.

He said harmony prevailed when Malaysian citizens understood not only their faith, but also that of others.

“Malaysians must maintain and defend the religious harmony we currently enjoy.

“If we fail to forge a tolerant mindset, it will not be easy to maintain peace and stability in the country,” he said at the national-level Christmas celebration at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur shopping mall.

Zahid said the peace in the county indicated that the government was sincere in realising freedom of religion.

“The fact that Malaysians collectively celebrate various religious and cultural festivities shows that we respect all faiths.

“We do not want any external or internal element that would threaten national stability and peace.”

He said tourists were welcomed to celebrate Christmas and New Year in the country.

The festive gathering organised by the Tourism and Culture Ministry and Pavilion KL drew more than 2,000 spectators from different backgrounds.

It was filled with fairytale-themed performances by cultural groups.

The lively celebration was aimed at making the country a world-class tourist destination as well as forging a national identity based on arts, culture and heritage.

Present were Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot.

Zahid also announced that the Tourism and Culture Ministry would be starting a #SayangMalaysia campaign next year to promote local destinations.