QUOTE:
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. – Hal Borland, American author
Another new year will be upon us soon. 2025 is just seven days away and all I want to say is I’m looking for a better and more promising new year.
However, I must also state that I wouldn’t dare to expect too much as I’m not too hopeful of witnessing drastic reforms from the current political leadership, hopefully for the betterment of the country, over the next 12 months. I have reasons for my reservation.
So, I guess it’s best not to look forward to anything in particular in 2025. If there are good news for the people and country, let us rejoice. If not, so be it.
Since today is Christmas Day, let me wish all our readers a most happy and blessed Christmas. Like many, I find the Yuletide season one of the most joyous and much-loved festive occasions of the year.
Besides its spiritual and religious significance for Christians as Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the occasion often brings families and loved ones together, fostering bonds and creating lasting memories.
Then there are also the acts of giving during Christmas. Exchanging gifts symbolises love, care and generosity, emphasising the joy of giving and receiving.
In Sarawak, the spirit of Christmas is not limited to the Christian community. It serves as a reminder of the shared human values of love, peace and joy, fostering a greater appreciation of the territory’s diverse cultural fabric.
In many ways, Sarawakians are very blessed that the Sarawak government actively promotes religious harmony and often organises or supports events that emphasise unity during Christmas. Leaders from different religious groups exchange greetings and attend Christmas celebrations together.
Sarawak’s approach to religious tolerance and harmony during Christmas is a model for celebrating differences while embracing shared humanity. It reflects Sarawak’s long-standing ethos of mutual respect and understanding, making the festive season a beacon of unity for all.
Let us, Sarawakians, cherish this religious tolerance and racial harmony and let us never allow anyone to take that away from us. What is “uniquely Sarawakian” must be maintained and nurtured for eternity.
What will 2025 have in store for us? Let’s take a philosophical look at it.
Someone said that in reality, the new year is not duty-bound to have anything in store for us! It is we who have to organise and plan for the new year. We plan what we get. If we do not plan, we will not get anything at all.
Somehow, I can agree with that. I’ve said from the outset that I wasn’t looking forward to anything in particular in the new year.
Perhaps it’s good to look back at times. It’s beneficial to spend some time to critically examine what we have achieved or where we failed in the past year. Then, we can make the necessary adjustments and strive to perform better in all our endeavours in the new year.
As for Malaysia’s outlook for 2025, it is characterised by a blend of optimism and challenges across various sectors.
Looking at the political landscape, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration is said to focus on implementing reforms to strengthen economic resilience and social cohesion. Efforts include combating corruption, promoting inclusivity, and enhancing public sector efficiency.
But we know what is happening around us these days. The PM and his team have been accused of reneging on their promised reforms and in many cases, such allegations and accusations were not unfounded.
Many corruption scandals have emerged over the past months and some prominent figures charged with graft have been let off the hook. These incidents do not augur well for the people’s confidence in the Madani government. Add the foreign investors and it spells disaster for the nation.
On regional relations, I think we can expect Malaysia to continue fostering strong ties with neighbouring countries and major global economies, leveraging its strategic position in Southeast Asia to enhance trade and investment opportunities.
One important aspect the government must seriously look into is to ensure that social welfare policies are designed to address income disparities and improve the standard of living, including targetted assistance programs and investments in education and healthcare.
In summary, Malaysia’s outlook for 2025 is cautiously optimistic, with strategic reforms and investments poised to drive sustainable economic growth and social development.
We can always remain hopeful for some good news in the new year but whether we will witness the positive vibes or not is another matter.
Nonetheless, I think we should also celebrate small victories and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. Despite the gloom we foresee in the horizon, we should still share hope and positivity with those around us, creating ripples of joy and encouragement in the process.
My hope is that 2025 can be a year of purpose, where individuals, communities and nations come together to build a better, more inclusive and harmonious world. Let it be a year of action, compassion and hope for our beloved homeland.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
