LETTERS: Malaysians can be forgiven if they feel that 2019 has been fraught with challenges. Over the year, we have seen calamities, disharmony, corruption at its worst, political upheavals and conflicts.
These have caused unhappiness and stress to people. Everywhere one turns, the news seems depressing. Malaysia was also not spared.
But the message for the new year for Malaysians and, in particular the government, should be to address and work hard to overcome these obstacles.
Three problems that must be addressed are the rising cost of living, boosting our economy and reinforcing efforts to build unity in diversity.
As a diverse nation of many nationalities, faiths and beliefs, Malaysia has faced many challenges successfully.
We have become more resilient. When we are united and we love our country, we can face challenges with confidence.
My wish for the new year is that Malaysians will continue to uphold the Constitution, put into practise the Rukun Negara and be loyal to king and country.
Let’s put aside petty differences and work towards the good of all. We must be united to build a better future for all and for our young generation. We have the hope and the ability to do our bit for our nation.
Everyone can make a difference. In 2019, many Malaysians made us proud. They showed how ordinary people can make a difference.
Take, for example, Nurul Jannah Zamberi, who became the top student in her graduating class at Rutgers University in New Jersey, the United States. She completed her degree in BSc in Biomedical Engineering and graduated cum laude, the highest honours.
Melwin Cheng Choon Lei and Tham Yong Shiang, two students from Penang, nabbed first prize at the 2019 Intel International Science andEngineering Fair, also in the US, competing with 1,500 students from around the world. For their achievement, they will have an asteroid named after them.
Then, take the case of Saras Manickam. She proved she had the “write” stuff when she was declared the Asia regional winner in the 2019 Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
These are the stories of young Malaysians who made us proud. And there are many more.
Let us be inspired by them and continue to encourage one another to give our best for the nation that has given us so much.
When we have love in our hearts and faith in ourselves, our challenges can be converted to opportunities for the realisation of our hopes and dreams. Let’s do our part for a better Malaysia.
Have a blessed New Year.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Trustee, Malaysia Unity Foundation
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times