KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on Malaysians to use the Christmas season to strengthen unity and harmony in the country's multiracial society.
In a Facebook posting, Anwar said the joy and spirit of the season, celebrated by Christians worldwide, could be an occasion to bring people together.
"As a diverse nation with various races and cultures, major celebrations like Christmas serve as a source of strength and unity among Malaysians," he said.
Anwar said coexistence played an important role in the country's multicultural identity and was a key ingredient for peace and prosperity.
"I have always stressed that racial and cultural differences are the recipe for harmony in any nation that aspires for peace and stability," he said.
He urged Malaysians to reject divisive elements that incited racial discord, stressing the need for mutual dependence and support in building a successful and distinguished national identity.
Anwar also reminded the people to uphold universal values of justice and fairness, in line with the aspirations of the nation's founding fathers.
"Any effort to sow seeds of discord must be avoided. We complement and need each other, especially in fostering a thriving and inclusive nation.
"Malaysia must not falter or be crippled by the interests of a select few. Instead, we must champion values of justice that reflect the hopes and dreams of our nation's pioneers," he said.