KUALA LUMPUR - As 2022 draws to a close, several Cabinet ministers extended their 2023 New Year’s greetings, with hopes that the people will find a common goal and strengthen unity to steer the nation towards prosperity.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof called on the people to live the spirit of unity and celebrate differences to build a stable, peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Malaysia.
"Let us find common ground across races, religions and political beliefs and uphold firmly to the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution,” said Fadillah who is also the Plantation and Commodities Minister in a post on his Facebook page on Saturday.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, through a video posted on his Facebook page, hoped that the people would all come together to strengthen their commitment and continue to drive excellence for the year 2023.
"We will weather and face the upcoming challenges for Malaysia that we love, I am committed to carrying out the responsibility entrusted to me. My hope is for Malaysia to progress under this Unity Government,” said Ahmad Zahid who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said he will continue to go to the ground to listen and gather feedback from the public transport users, operators and the business community.
"Maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety is paramount for all our public transportation systems such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Transit (MRT), Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), public buses, seaports, and airports.
"By considering the needs of the people and the ground reality, we will be able to create policies that are tailored to the needs of the public. A smooth transport and logistics system is essential for economic growth,” he said in his statement posted on Facebook.
Also extending his New Year greetings was Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu who hoped that the people would face whatever obstacles and challenges that may arise calmly, bravely and patiently
At the same time, he also reminded government agencies to adopt a culture of moderation and to prevent wastage, in addition to ensuring all government-linked companies (GLCs) are monitored, expenditure included.
Anwar said he does not want the often-touted term, 'paradigm shift', to not be practised in the right manner, especially in terms of development that involves the well-being of the people at the grassroots level.
"We will continue with development but let's not trivialise, ignore the fate of the needy. That is the concept of development written in the Quran, the concept of physical development cannot be separated from the values of life, morals and piety," he said.
Meanwhile, in dealing with racism or religious prejudice that often punishes without being based on facts, the prime minister said the Unity Government will intensify religious community activities, studies and training in mosques for young people.
He also wants efforts to be taken to enhance religious understanding among Muslims and non-Muslims so as to prevent the seeds of Islamophobia, which he said were planted since colonial times, from influencing and confusing society's thinking.
Meanwhile, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil in his Facebook posting said the year 2023 will be a challenging one, especially in terms of economy.
However, with proper planning, policies and focus, the Unity Government can solve issues faced by the people and boost the economic growth of the country to ensure Malaysia continues to progress and succeed.
"Various experiences and lessons learned throughout last year can help us emerge as a matured nation and I am confident and grateful for whatever we are blessed with. May the arrival of the new year bring about greater success and happiness to all of us, God Willing," he said.
International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said his main focus will be to ensure trade continues to spearhead economic growth, restore the trust of investors and increase foreign investment.
"We must also ensure the drafting of policies and implementation of bilateral agreements or other initiatives offer good value and provide a stable environment for domestic players, especially the Small and Medium size industries and micro industries," he said.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa hopes and prays that the country will be blessed with peace, harmony and prosperity so that people can live in harmony and be tolerant. This will boost the lifestyle of the people to ensure everyone is healthy and free from any diseases.- BERNAMA