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KUALA LUMPUR: The trials, tribulations and triumph experienced by wheelchair-bound Wong Kim Kong can be a valuable lesson for Malaysians.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, said Wong had overcome obstacles thrown in his path.

"He has achieved so much. More than most people considered ‘whole’ have done," said Ongkili.

Wong, who is the secretary-general of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship Malaysia, and who suffered from polio at the age of 3, has written a book called Living and Leading with Limitations, where he traces his life’s journey.

Ongkili, who launched the book, said one of the key challenges to national unity in the coming years would be religious unity.

"Given our various religious backgrounds, many have started to voice their opinion but this has not affected unity.

"Religious groups from all faiths should get together to promote a common understanding and look at areas that could bring about unity by inculcating fundamental universal values.

"Religious dialogues may not be enough, but if people were to get together and invest time through group activities such as gotong-royong, confidence levels can be harnessed and built upon."

He described Wong’s book as inspirational and hoped more people would write such books.

Wong said although his book touched on the Christian faith, the values expounded were universal and people could solve their problems by learning from the lessons he had undergone.

He said the book dealt with issues aimed at educating people to become more magnanimous in dealing with others.

He said children should be taught tolerance to deal with issues that they might face in the future.

He said there was a tendency for religious events to be celebrated separately and this must change. He said it should be celebrated by people of different faiths and cultures.

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