By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, Dec 24 — This Christmas season is a time for reflection and perspective for all Malaysians, says Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
In response to the recent landslide tragedy in Batang Kali, Amirudin had in his Christmas holiday address expressed his heartfelt sorrow and condolences to the families of the 92 affected victims.
“A week on, 61 people have been brought to safety, while 30 people have lost their lives, with one person yet to be found.
“My heart goes out to the families of the victims hit by this catastrophe, as this will change their lives forever, especially those who lost their children,” he said in a statement today.
Amirudin said that the disaster was another mark and warning on the pressing threats climate change poses to society and emphasises the need to strengthen the local communities and surroundings to ensure everyone's safety.
“I am confident that with better state and federal relations, Selangor will be able to accelerate our plans and efforts to make our state more robust and adapt to a changing climate,” he said.
Amirudin said as the Christians in Selangor and Malaysia are finalising preparations for this year's festivities, it is time to think about the journey that every Malaysian took this year.
“A reflection on the journeys we’ve travelled on this year, some journeys easier than others, while other journeys giving us lessons to take into the new year,” he said.
Amirudin said that this year’s Christmas season has come at a time when the country is beginning to turn the page to a new chapter, to discover its “North Star”, which he said is a symbol which can guide the country to a better tomorrow amidst challenging and uncertain times.
“On one hand, we see a group of people intent on focusing on our differences – be it in ethnicities, beliefs, the colour of our skin, our demographic differences – hoping to wedge a greater distance between us.
“On the other hand, we have a choice akin to what Michelle Obama said, ‘When they go low, we go high’. A higher road not taken, or rarely taken to celebrate our natural differences as a strength, not as a weakness,” the statement read.
Amiurdin had voiced the Selangor government’s commitment to ensure that the journey of bracing through the new chapter would be made easier for all Selangorians from all walks of life.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest Christmas greetings to all Christians in Selangor, Sarawak, Sabah and throughout Malaysia.
“It is that time of the year of joy, hope, and traditions, when families of Christian faith get together after a tough and challenging year, catch up over old stories, and reminisce over old golden moments while putting the final touches on preparations for the festivities.
“Enjoy the festivities and the chance to spend quality time with your loved ones this holiday season. From my family to yours, we wish you all a Merry Christmas,” he said.
