AT the start of the new year, let every Malaysian resolve to make Malaysia a safe place to live in — safe not only from terrorism, crime and violence but also from tragedies of our own doing on the roads, in public areas or at workplaces.

In the days ahead, it is essential for all Malaysians to take heed of one important lesson for humanity — taking care of the environment. Civilisation could be destroyed if we don’t make peace with Nature.

The fact that landslides and road cave-ins are a frequent occurrence points to our failure to make the culture of maintenance and safety a way of life.

When buildings collapse or the environment is polluted or fatalities occur at workplaces, we are responsible. We cannot simply blame Nature or work tools.

We have to realise that any action that results in the degradation and destruction of our environment will have disastrous consequences.

Over the years, the government has spent billions on development but what is regrettable is the lack of maintenance. This has to be rectified.

On the political front, it is vital for Malaysia to continue to exist as a united and democratic nation in an oasis of peace and stability through the pursuit of just, moderate and progressive policies.

Malaysians of all races wish to see the government take further steps to strengthen the economy, maintaining unity, peace and stability and upholding the rights of all Malaysians as guaranteed under the Constitution. It must strike a balance between economic and information technology development, and social and moral development.

We need to address aggressively issues such as racial integration, unity and nation-building besides having to deal with crime, drug addiction and other social problems.

Above all, it is the wish of all Malaysians that this year the authorities would do more to fight and prevent crime as this is the second biggest concern of all Malaysians.

Crime has become a major problem and there must be a new year resolution to bolster ongoing efforts to fight crime

On the issue of youth and teenagers, my new year wish is that all those involved in the National Service training programme will discharge their duties responsibly and with a sense of commitment to make it a success. This will help our youth equip themselves with positive values and confidence to face the many challenges that lie ahead.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYEVice-chairman Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation

Count your blessings

AS we start the new year, it is good to reflect and ponder on the year that was.

Last year saw good times and bad. But it is often the bad events that leave an indelible mark in our memory.

The mass media is partly responsible because it has inundated us daily with catastrophes and tragedies that occur all over the world, driving home the message that no news is good news.

While it cannot be denied that natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes have brought untold suffering and loss of lives and livelihood, they also brought out the best in human relations — goodwill and generosity.

These tragedies and catastrophes remind us of how fragile and how precious life is. They remind us how meaningless and petty disputes and fights result in injury and death.

History has shown how people suffered because of distorted ideologies and misinformed individuals. As Martin Luther King said: “We have guided missiles and misguided men.”

With these depressing situations worldwide, we are indeed fortunate to be endowed with political stability, peace and economic prosperity.

Maybe, it is time to take stock and give thanks to God for the good health and good life that has been bestowed on us.

Let us have faith in the government and the people in power for their wisdom in governing this country.

A heart full of gratitude will enable us to have a healthy attitude towards life. Let us in this new year learn to say positive things about our loved ones, friends, colleagues and the people we interact with.

In our interaction, let us be less judgmental and more forgiving. Let there be no more confrontation and demonstration, but rather mediation and negotiation to air issues and solve problems.

Let there be no mistrust, misunderstanding and, above all, miscommunication. Let there be tolerance, understanding, love and patience.

At the start of the new year, we need a revival of faith, hope and love. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is the present — a gift from God.

Let’s return to the basics and count our blessings and appreciate life and one another a little more.

SAMUEL YESUIAHSeremban

Stop this madness

A BRUTAL killing of a vibrant leader in Pakistan is more proof that this world is steeped in the tradition of violence.

A minority so set on destruction has again reared its ugly head and taken the life of a distinguished leader. My heart cries out for a stop to this madness.

As the violent year 2007 ends, let us look forward to this year. May it be filled with less crime and violence. Let us hope and pray that rational people will come forward and stop such acts.

Crime and violence will only cease when individuals learn to value life and respect the property of others. When a person respects another and the property of another, he or she will not try to harm that person or take away or destroy that person’s property.

A lot of murders, rapes and acts of bodily harm occur because we do not respect each other or hold another person’s right to live a decent and healthy live as fundamental.

This has to be taught from young. Parents and schools have failed to nurture this respect and, today, we are seeing the results of such poor upbringing.

In many developing and developed nations, children are brought up to hate, to carry arms and to destroy lives and property without any shame or guilt.

In this new year, may we have more considerate people, who will respect life (in any form — human, animal, plant) and may there be less greed all round.

A blessed new year and a new year of peace to all.

VICTOR CHEWSubang Jaya

Source: NST – January 2, 2008