Religious diversity not barrier for people to stay united: Joseph Kurup

KENINGAU: Religious diversity is not a barrier for the people in the country to stay united, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
He said Malaysians were very fortunate to live in a state of goodwill, harmony and unity, sharing the country, despite their different religions, political beliefs and philosophies.
"This is the quality that distinguishes us from the people of other countries ... we can sit at the table together even though we are of different religions and races.
"We have mutual respect towards each other that shows that diversity is not a barrier ... we are very lucky people," he said in his opening speech at the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency Chinese New Year event, here today.
Kurup said the Barisan Nasional government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak was on the right track and there was no reason for the people to sideline it in the next general election.
"Our economy is very strong. Even though there is a rising cost of living, the government is doing all it can to find solutions to help the people," he said.
Kurup, who is Member of Parliamentary for Pensiangan, also said that various forms of assistance and incentives were provided by the government particularly for the youths in the country.
"The Prime Minister has mooted the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) to shape our country in the next 30 years," he said.
He said the government, in its efforts to develop the country, has adopted inclusive approaches that involved all parties to ensure the success of the country's economic policy.
Commenting on this year's Chinese New Year celebration, Kurup hoped that it would cheer up the people, especially the Chinese community in the country, especially those in Keningau.
"Turn this Chinese New Year celebration as the bridge to empower the unity among us," he added. — Bernama