24/12/2025
[中文如下]
In conjunction with the celebration of Christmas, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Chiew Choon Man, extends his warmest Christmas greetings to Christians across Malaysia and to all Malaysians celebrating this festive season with family and loved ones.
Christmas is a meaningful occasion that transcends religious boundaries. While it is rooted in Christian faith, the values it embodies — love, compassion, forgiveness, generosity and peace — resonate universally and are shared by all cultures and religions in Malaysia. These are values that form the foundation of a harmonious, progressive and inclusive society.
Malaysia’s strength lies in its diversity. As a multicultural and multireligious nation, Malaysians have long demonstrated the ability to live together in mutual respect, understanding and acceptance. Festive seasons such as Christmas provide an opportunity for people of different races and beliefs to come together, not only to celebrate, but also to deepen interfaith understanding and reinforce social cohesion.
YB Chiew emphasised that religious freedom and openness are key pillars of Malaysia’s social fabric. The ability of Malaysians to practise their respective faiths freely, while respecting the beliefs of others, reflects the maturity of the nation and the success of decades of coexistence. This spirit of religious tolerance and moderation must continue to be safeguarded and strengthened, especially in a rapidly changing global environment.
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that unity does not mean uniformity. Our differences in culture, language and belief are not weaknesses, but strengths that enrich our national identity. Harmony is achieved when diversity is embraced with sincerity and respect,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the important role of arts, culture and tourism in promoting unity. Cultural celebrations, heritage festivals and community events allow Malaysians and visitors alike to experience the beauty of diversity firsthand. Through cultural exchange and shared experiences, understanding is fostered and prejudices are broken down.
In this regard, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture remains committed to promoting inclusive cultural initiatives that bring communities together. Festive celebrations such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan, Gawai and Deepavali are not only religious or cultural observances, but also platforms for strengthening national unity and social harmony.
YB Chiew also called on Malaysians to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas by extending kindness and compassion to those in need, including the underprivileged, the elderly and marginalised communities. Acts of goodwill, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference and help build a more caring and empathetic society.
“Let us use this festive season to heal divisions, foster dialogue and strengthen the bonds that unite us as Malaysians. Peace begins with understanding, and unity begins with respect,” he added.
As the year draws to a close, YB Chiew expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas will inspire Malaysians to move forward together with optimism, solidarity and shared purpose, regardless of race or religion.
He concluded by wishing all Christians a blessed Christmas and all Malaysians a season filled with peace, joy and harmony.
“Merry Christmas and may the spirit of unity continue to guide our nation.”
配合圣诞节的到来,旅游、艺术及文化部副部长兼美里国会议员 YB 赵俊文(Chiew Choon Man) 向全国基督徒,以及所有与家人和亲友共庆佳节的马来西亚人民,致以最诚挚与温馨的圣诞祝福。
圣诞节是一个意义深远的节日,其内涵超越宗教界限。尽管源自基督教信仰,但圣诞节所体现的价值观——爱、慈悲、宽恕、慷慨与和平——具有普世意义,与马来西亚多元文化与多元宗教社会中的共同价值观相互呼应。这些价值正是一个和谐、进步与包容社会的基石。
马来西亚的力量源自其多元性。作为一个多元文化、多元宗教的国家,马来西亚人民长期以来展现出彼此尊重、相互理解与包容共处的能力。像圣诞节这样的节庆,不仅是欢庆的时刻,更是不同族群与信仰人士相聚交流、深化跨宗教理解及巩固社会凝聚力的重要契机。
YB 赵俊文强调,宗教自由与开放精神是马来西亚社会结构的重要支柱。马来西亚人民能够自由实践各自的宗教信仰,同时尊重他人的信念,正体现了国家的成熟度,以及数十年来和谐共存的成果。这种宗教宽容与中庸的精神,必须在瞬息万变的全球环境中持续加以维护与强化。
他说:“团结并不意味着一致。我们在文化、语言与信仰上的差异不是弱点,而是丰富国家认同的优势。真正的和谐,源自以真诚与尊重来拥抱多元。”
旅游、艺术及文化部副部长兼美里国会议员 YB 赵俊文也指出,艺术、文化与旅游在促进国家团结方面扮演着重要角色。文化庆典、传统节日与社区活动,让马来西亚人民及访客能够亲身体验多元之美。透过文化交流与共同体验,人们得以增进理解、消除偏见。
在这方面,旅游、艺术及文化部将持续致力于推动具包容性的文化倡议,促进各社群之间的联系。圣诞节、农历新年、开斋节、丰收节(Kaamatan)、达雅节(Gawai)及屠妖节(Deepavali)等节庆,不仅是宗教或文化的庆典,更是强化国家团结与社会和谐的重要平台。
YB 赵俊文也呼吁国人借此佳节反思圣诞的真正意义,向有需要的人士伸出援手,包括弱势群体、长者及边缘化社群。无论多么微小的善举,都能带来深远的影响,协助建设一个更关怀、更有同理心的社会。
他补充说:“让我们善用这个佳节来疗愈分歧、促进对话,并巩固作为马来西亚人彼此之间的情谊。和平始于理解,团结始于尊重。”
值此年终之际,YB 赵俊文期望圣诞精神能够激励全体马来西亚人民,不分种族或宗教,携手以乐观、团结与共同目标迈向未来。
他最后祝愿所有基督徒度过一个蒙福的圣诞节,并祝全体马来西亚人民拥有一个充满和平、喜悦与和谐的佳节。
“圣诞快乐,愿团结的精神继续指引我们的国家前行。”