DAP Easter Message

Easter Message by Lim Guan Eng in Petaling Jaya on Saturday, 11^th April 2009:

The spirit of Easter should also be reflected in “1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now”

I would like to wish a joyous and blessed Easter to all Malaysians, especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

To Christians, Easter is Jesus Christ’s victory over death, symbolising the eternal life that is offered to those who believe in Him. It is a proof that Jesus is the Son of God who has conquered death once and for all, and therefore gained salvation for all humanity.

I share the good values of Easter, especially in my commitment to do the right thing and rejection of wrongdoing. As I have many times mentioned to my Muslim friends that I aspire to observe the practice of amar makruf nahi mungkar, it is with the same commitment that I am willing to do my best in caring and sharing, and in making greater contribution to better living for all.

In this beautiful country we call home, we share many values together and we should not deprive ourselves from caring and sharing, knowing full well we need one another to ensure peace and stability.

Easter is also about hope and reconciliation, which I wish to see all Malaysians regardless of beliefs and ethnicity would strive for a deeper and more profound meaning of muhibah, understanding and love.

Since this is also the first Easter celebration under the new premiership of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, I wish our new prime minister would commit himself to working towards achieving a true Bangsa Malaysia in words and deeds. Malaysians hope a fresh start by banning racially based political parties which can begin by opening UMNO to all Malaysians not just Malays - that would give meaning to the Prime Minister's concept of "1 Malaysia".

The spirit of Easter should also be reflected in the government’s aim to make “1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now” by ensuring that any sacrifice by Malaysians of all races and religions must be well respected and should never be in vain.

Even though it may not be deep in spiritual meaning, for true worldly salvation it is only fair for the government to abolish draconian laws such as the Internal Security Act (ISA), the Sedition Act and the Printing Presses & Publications Act, as this would lead to a new beginning of building an independent press, establish freedom of information and build a democracy responsive to the people’s needs.

It may also be the beginning of a society that respects one another, without any unnecessary fear. Just as democracy must co-exist with development, so must there be power with accountability. For this reason calling for fresh elections to solve the political impasse in Perak will represent a revival of democracy by giving life to democracy.

Happy Deepavali

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the new year of luck and wealth". As such I wish all Hindus in Malaysia a new year of luck and wealth.

Though Malaysians all over is horrified with the recent arrest of the supporters of Hindraf-5, my prayer is for those who are arrested under the notorious Internal Security Act to continue to be strong and firm in their believe. They will be remembered by the people especially the weak not only Indians. I truly admire their courage and strength though they may be in the minority. But alone shaped Malaysia agenda in the recent 12th general election shifting the support of the Indian towards MIC and BN. I must say, they are not alone in their fight.

It is in my prayer that their hope be vindicated and our friends released from the ISA.

Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light, in particular the knowing of which outshines all darkness (source : wikipedia). With the realization of the Atman comes universal compassion, love, and the awareness of the oneness of all things and this brings Ananda (Inner Joy or Peace).

Here, I concur with DAP Sec-Gen and Chief Minister of Penang who says, “We must insist that any government should show love for its people based on human dignity, compassion and a caring society.” He went further to say, “Together we shall continue to fight on a moral and ethical ground towards achieving equal opportunities, level playing field and social justice."

I now wish all Hindus, members and supporters, friends and colleagues, a blessed and happy Deepavali.

Selamat Hari Raya

To all my beloved Muslim friends

"SELAMAT HARI RAYA"

and

"BLESSED HOLIDAY"

Message for Bulan Ramadhan from SG DAP

DAP SG YAB Lim Guan Eng's message for the Ramadhan...


Lim: Islam a universal way of life
by Opalyn Mok

GEORGE TOWN (Sept 1, 2008): Islam is a universal way of life and does not discriminate against race, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

The DAP secretary general, in his statement wishing Muslims a happy and well Ramadhan month, said he believed that Islam is based on the core value of justice without taking into account the differences in races.

"This I fully respect. So, I hope this will be the main core to all efforts to strengthen the unity between all races in this country," he said in a media statement today.

He said the Ramadhan month is a time to test the patience and strength of Muslims while fasting and the non-Muslims should also reflect on this together with Muslims.

"He said the understanding between all races will only unite all and continue to bring development to the nation," he said.

He said he was confident that Ramadhan would fill every Malaysian's heart with the spirit of genuine unity and that the month brings justice and harmony.

"Ramadhan should be used as the basis for us to rise and fight against negativity such as corruption, abuse of power, wastage and work hard to create a society that is fair with equal opportunities for all as encouraged by religious teachings," he said.

As the Penang Chief Minister, Lim gave his guarantee that the CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) principles will be practised without fear or favour to ensure a clean state administration.

"As the DAP secretary general, I give the assurances that our fight which is also based on CAT will ensure our efforts to fight for a clean country and society," he added.

Chinese New Year greetings

I received this sms from a friend. It reads, "May Stuart Little bring u comfort, Mickey Mouse bring u joy, Ratatouille bring u abundance of good food and most importantly, Minnie Mouse bring u ultimate beauty & pleasure! Happy Chinese New Year (Year of the Rat) with lots of laughter, Love and Prosperity." And guess what though I hate rats but those rat mentioness made me laugh.

Happy Chinese New Year 2008 to everybody. The Chinese will welcome the year of the rat come 7th February 2008. Rat symbolizes in the Chinese zodiac is associated with aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities. In ancient time rat was welcomed as a protector and bringer of material prosperity. It is the first of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac.

Well that is Rat for Chinese. For me personally, this year is a year of good opportunity or opening in terms of business, family and relationship. It will definitely be a year of blessing and better than the year before. I have seen new business opportunity in my practice especially through my involvement with BNI. There will be an expansion of the firm with the coming of a new partner. I also see an opportunity to do more banking work besides the normal civil litigation, conveyancing and intellectual property practices.

For Malaysia in general, the start of the rat years will see either a victory or an upset for the Rakyat. My guess would be within this two weeks latest for Parliament to dissolve to pave way for the 12th general election. Looking at the news the past weeks, especially two days ago when the Prime Minister suddenly told reporters that he has the 'found the inspiration' in calling the election soon. Everyday the mainstream newspaper have already campaign for the Corrupt and Scandalous BN. UMNO, day by day getting more and more arrogant. The same old same would be nominated in the coming election. And Tun Dr. Mahatir have asked voters to choose clean and straight candidate even though the candidate comes from the Opposition.

So what is my take? Or rather my hope. The 2/3 majority will be slashed not only in Parliament but all state assemblies as well. It is my hope that every seat fought would be an ONE ON ONE against the BN. It would be more dramatic to see the wrestle of Penang by DAP-PKR coalition from BN.

This election I believed will be more expensive, more abusive and more corrupted than the 2004 election. More monies will be spend unnecessarily and promises will be made so as the like of the 2004 pledge by the Prime Minister to curb corruption. Enough is enough, Malaysians are not stupid to believe the lies of BN. What can we all do? JUST CHANGE IT.

Dare to Change...