In its New Year 2026 message, the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) said that a new year marks a fresh beginning and a renewed responsibility to safeguard unity, reason, and mutual respect in Malaysia’s diverse society.
With humility, MCAH noted that national progress is shaped not only by policy design, but also by citizens’ shared commitment to the rule of law, social trust, and moderation.
Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) President, Datuk Seri Dr Chai Kee Kan said that during Malaysia’s term as ASEAN Chair, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has helped raise Malaysia’s profile on the international stage, strengthening regional cooperation, advancing economic engagement and deepening diplomatic outreach.
“MCAH extends its sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister and the Government’s leadership team, and hopes Malaysia will continue to be recognised for pragmatic diplomacy, competitive economic stewardship and a moderate national image that earns trust in a complex global environment.”
At the same time, he expressed concern that while Malaysia shines externally, domestic harmony can be undermined by a small minority of extremists who inflame sensitive issues related to race and religion. Such manoeuvring, he cautioned, fractures social cohesion, erodes mutual confidence and ultimately harms public well-being and national competitiveness.
He urged all parties to return to the spirit of the Federal Constitution and the path of moderation, and to stop treating race and faith as political instruments.
“A mature nation does not rely on division to prove a point; it earns respect by solving people’s real problems,” he said.
Datuk Seri Dr Chai emphasised that in 2026, the Government should continue to uphold a people-first approach by prioritising bread-and-butter issues such as cost of living, jobs, education, healthcare, housing and public service delivery.
He also expressed hope that the Government will further cultivate a more business-friendly environment that is predictable and competitive, especially by strengthening SMEs, improving investment facilitation, developing talent and accelerating digital transformation, so that businesses have the confidence to invest, expand and create high-quality employment.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, he noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a reflection of national image, cultural confidence and the warmth of the Malaysian people. MCAH stands ready to work with the Government and stakeholders to promote cultural exchange, community-based tourism and urban revitalisation, bringing Malaysia’s multicultural heritage, cuisine, natural landscapes and local stories to the world. He also called on local authorities to enhance public governance and urban cleanliness, and to improve transport, safety and service standards, so that visitors leave with positive experiences and a desire to return.