2023: People urged to strengthen unity

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 today.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr 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 Minister of Rural and Regional Development.

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.

Meanwhile, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang hoped the ministry would continue to be a catalyst for progress and play an important role in the development of the country's economy and wellbeing of the people.

"My hope is for the Ministry to continue playing and important role in overcoming the challenges and issues faced by the people and the country, like climate change, food security and contagious disease," he said.

Minister of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry would undergo a number of transformation initiatives next year. One of the main transformation will include the Division for Children Affairs which is no longer suitable to remain under the Social Welfare Department.

"I will table a working paper to the cabinet committee after the KPWKM has drafted a structure that is complete with proposed initiatives that are related to the subject matter," she said in a statement today.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail on the other hand said he was committed to strengthening the role of the ministry to play a leading role in aspects of safety and security of the country.

"This is in line with our commitment right from the beginning to ensure Malaysia remain a peaceful, prosperous and a safe country for all," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and Digital 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.

Minister of International Trade and Industry 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