KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud has called on Sarawakians to continue the culture of respecting and celebrating seasonal festivities together regardless of religions, races and cultures.
He said differences in backgrounds should not stop them from uniting and respecting one another.
Mutual respect, he pointed out, would make people appreciate one another and help each other in a lot of things.
“Throughout the years, we have celebrated many festivals such as Hari Raya, Gawai Dayak, Christmas and Deepavali as we live in a diverse society.
“The good thing is these festivals are also celebrated together with other races through the concept of open house.
“This method strengthens the spirit of goodwill and cooperation between all Sarawakians,” he said in his Chinese New Year 2023 message.
Taib pointed out that many Chinese would be returning home to their families to celebrate this year’s Chinese New Year.
“On January 22, the Chinese community throughout Sarawak will celebrate Chinese New Year with family members and relatives.
“Many people will return home to their families for the ‘Tuan Yuan Fan’ or big feast on the eve of the new year to strengthen family ties and to express feelings of gratitude for the success that has been forged in the year before and hope for a better new year,” said Taib.
He added that this year, the festival would be celebrated on a larger scale than the previous three years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sarawak.
Taib also reminded everyone to be firm and ready as the Sarawak government was in the midst of boosting the region’s economy for the sake of continuous development.
“For three years, we have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the government continues to prioritise the welfare of the people.
“The Sarawak government always ensures that the people are prioritised in its plans and development.
“In Sarawak, cultural differences and beliefs do not separate one race from other races.
“We still respect and celebrate other races, and this kind of culture has led us to harmony in multiracial Sarawak,” he said.
The Head of State ended his message by hoping Sarawak would preserve its racial harmony and move forward with other states in Malaysia towards greater progress.
Personally and on behalf of his wife and family, Taib wished all Sarawakians a Happy Chinese New Year 2023.
