Let's strive to make 2008 a better year for all

Let’s strive to make the nation the pride of all

The year 2007 may have been a great year for many – blessed with all the good things in life, good health,peace,happiness and prosperity. To them the passing year would be such a memorable one that is sad to depart with. They hope that the tidings of joy would continue into the coming year.

To a large number of others the year 2007 could have brought all forms of miseries and even disaster - terminal illness, death of loved ones, financial losses, loss of jobs, failures in relationship, carreer and examinations. There may be some even struck by natural calamities that have shattered their hopes and left their lives in total disarray. There are a good number of those severely hit by the escalating cost of living and are toiling day and night to make ends meet. For these unfortunate people the year 2007 was nothing but a nightmare. For them there is not much hope and cheer in welcoming the New Year. They just hope and pray that the coming year will bring some fortune into their lives.

Our multi-racial and multi-religious nation too had its ups and downs during the year 2007.These trials and tribulations should make us more mature and tolerant in our thinking and attitudes towards one another. They should be a lesson for us on the importance of nurturing the peace and stability that we have achieved over the years. The greatest asset we have today is Prime Minister,Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. We hope with his wisdom and the moderate stand, Pak Lah will be able to steer the nation back on to a path of peace, goodwill and harmony.

As we bid farewell to 2007 and step into 2008, let us as all resolve to do the little we can to make Malaysia a better place for all. Let us resolve to make Malaysia the pride of all citizens irrespective of race, religion and political alignment. As we strive to improve ourselves, let us also do the little we can to make the lives of all Malaysians a bit better than it was.

Let us forget the differences of ethnicity that divide us and unite with the many common things we have as Malaysians. Let us do our part in the fight against corruption, abuse of power, crime and racism and religious fanaticism in whatever forms that threaten the security and peace of our nation.

The year 2008 is an important one for all citizens, a year of our general elections. It is the time when we will be called to do our part in deciding our destiny as a nation. Let us be responsible and do our part in electing only those who are capable and genuinely committed to serve the rakyat at all times, leaders who will place the interest of the nation above theirs. As we wish each other a ‘Happy New Year’, let us be determined to strive to make the nation the pride of all.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

Dr.Chris Anthony