Writing in his blog today, in a post entitled Christmas – A Platform For Unity, Salleh wished Malaysians a Merry Christmas, with the hope that this year’s celebration will bring happiness, peace and prosperity.
“All religions teach us to practise the principles of humanism and tolerance. What is important is the understanding and pragmatic approach because of the fact that we are from the same ethnic stock (rumpun), and Malaysia is our homeland,” Salleh said explaining how intermarriage, including in his family, has brought Christians and Muslims closer in his home state.
“Whatever our religion, we are all responsible for ensuring the sustainable development and lasting peace in the country. For that, let us build religious harmony and strengthen tolerance. Let us reignite the culture of mutual appreciation and mutual respect.”
Salleh highlighted how Christmas is significant in the context of its celebration among communities in Malaysia and that religious differences are no barrier for others to visit their Christian friends, and to sit and eat at the same table too.
“This is the symbol of the uniqueness of our community in diversity, thus becoming a symbol of the beauty of our solidarity, especially in Sabah,” he said, in calling for Malaysians to build religious harmony and strengthen tolerance.
“Let us reignite the culture of mutual appreciation and mutual respect.”