Goh calls for unity and moderation in New Year message

31 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri T. C. Goh, Life Honorary President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) and President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), has called on Malaysians, particularly the Chinese community, to move forward together with unity, sincerity and an inclusive mindset in facing the challenges of the new year.

In his New Year message titled “Striving Together to Create a Better Future”, Goh said the nation must persevere with steady steps amid an increasingly complex domestic and international environment.

Reflecting on the past year, he noted that Malaysia achieved significant milestones on the international stage, particularly through its role as ASEAN Chair. He said major international summits, including the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur, attracting world leaders such as those from China and the United States and placing Malaysia firmly in the global spotlight.

Goh also acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, saying that since taking office, the Prime Minister has actively pursued wide-ranging diplomatic engagements, visiting many countries to attract investment and foreign capital, efforts which have received international recognition.

However, he cautioned that the domestic situation over the same period remained challenging. Among the key concerns, he said, were an increasingly confrontational political climate, the rise of extreme racial and religious ideologies, the urgent need to revitalise the economy, and public expectations for better governance and more efficient government service delivery.

He added that rising prices and the cost of living, as well as several federal government policies, had drawn public criticism and dissatisfaction. These included delays by the Inland Revenue Board in refunding overpaid taxes to businesses, the expansion of the Sales and Services Tax (SST), alcohol bans and halal certification issues, and the pace of implementing the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He said these issues were of particular concern to East Malaysians, including Sabah’s long-standing demand for its 40 per cent share of net tax revenue.

Turning to Sabah, Goh noted that the past year also saw the conclusion of the state election, which proceeded smoothly and peacefully. He said the continuation of Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Noor’s leadership reflected the democratic choice of Sabahans, including the Chinese community and other ethnic groups, who exercised their rights at the ballot box in support of “localism and autonomy”.

With the state election now over, Goh said the coming year would see both a parliamentary and a state by-election, although he believed these contests were unlikely to significantly alter the broader national or state political landscape.

He said the issue of Sabah’s entitlement to 40 per cent of net tax revenue would be closely watched following the High Court ruling and the federal government’s decision not to appeal. While welcoming the potential increase in revenue for Sabah, he stressed that the funds must be managed with the highest level of transparency and accountability to ensure they are fully channelled towards development and the well-being of all Sabahans.

Goh also expressed concern over the rise of extreme racial and religious rhetoric in Peninsular Malaysia, urging that such divisive politics should not be allowed to spill over into Sabah or East Malaysia. He described the deliberate stoking of such issues for political gain as dangerous and irresponsible, warning that it could fracture society and undermine national unity.

In the year ahead, he called on both the government and the people, at the federal and state levels, to work together in opposing extremism and upholding moderation.

He concluded by expressing hope that the government would govern effectively, curb the rising cost of living, help reduce household debt, and introduce comprehensive healthcare, retirement and elderly welfare policies, so as to enhance the happiness and well-being of the people.