GEORGE TOWN, Dec 25 (Bernama) — Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Joseph Kurup lauds Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with the Vatican and the federal government’s RM15 million allocation for Christian mission schools nationwide under the 2014 Budget.
He said the move would benefit a lot of people, especially the Christian community.
“We need to be grateful to have Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as the prime minister who believes in diversity and upholds the freedom of religion,” he said at the Malaysia Christmas Open House here today.
The open house was graced by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Also present were Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Joseph, who represents the Christian community, said there was so much more to Christmas than Santa Claus and exchanging presents.
“It’s about the spirit of love for God and our fellow men, joy, peace, goodwill, mutual understanding, respect, unity in diversity, as well as remembering those who had served and sacrificed for the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lim said the Christmas open house organised today proved the Federal Constitution which stated that although Islam was the Federal religion, other religions could be practised in peace and harmony.
“We hope Malaysians, regardless of their race and religion, can nurture unity and friendship to live in peace and harmony while respecting one another,” he said.
Lim also commended the organising of the open house, saying that it showed that the relations between the federal and state government could come to a matured, healthy and constructive stage.
“We are so proud as our state has been chosen as the location for the national-level Christmas open house,” he said.
- Bernama
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