PETALING JAYA: Malaysians should constantly remind themselves that they have a role to play to ensure the country’s peace and harmony is not compromised.

In his Hari Raya message to all Muslims, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the muhibbah spirit should be allowed to grow in line with the 1Malaysia concept to inspire the next generation of Malaysians.

“Raya is not only about open houses, the colourful kuih muih or whosebeef rendang is better, it is the spirit of camaraderie at a high-level where Malaysians from all walks of life come together.

“It is my fervent hope that while we celebrate each festivity and look forward to the next one, we must be thankful of the conducive environment for us to indulge and interact in a joyous and meaningful manner without hostility or confrontation,” he said in his Hari Raya message yesterday.

In wishing all Muslims a joyous Hari Raya, Dr Chua said this is the time of the year where there is an air of festivity and merriment.

He said the feel good factor was the result of the people-to-people understanding among Malaysians on the diverse cultures, traditions and religious beliefs.

“This is what makes Malaysia unique and stand out from the rest of the world. Although the societal components of the country are made up of various origins and background, we don’t see differences in the context of weakness but as cohesion of strength.

“This is the kind of brotherhood that we all enjoy, irrespective of race or creed,” he said.

-The STAR-