FILIAL PIETY stands as the cornerstone of the entire ethnic Chinese culture. Ask anyone with a genuine interest in Chinese culture and civilisation, and they will unequivocally identify filial piety as its fundamental tenet.
Indeed, filial piety is considered the fundamental virtue in Chinese and many East Asian cultures. Given its significance, it has been the subject of countless stories throughout history.
One of the most renowned, significant, and widely recognised collections of such tales is the 24 classic examples of Filial Piety, which outline the expected behaviours of both sons and daughters.
It is indeed natural and understandable, especially for any ordinary human being. We receive love, care, and personal sacrifices from the moment we are born into this often crowded and tumultuous world. A simple observation and a touch of basic reasoning reveal that even within the animal kingdom, to some degree, similar patterns of care and sacrifice exist.
Irrespective of a person’s wealth, status, or beliefs, individuals of ethnic Chinese descent are primarily responsible for one of the most significant human migrations during the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.
Traveling for hundreds or even thousands of miles, akin to the pilgrimages to Mecca or the Christian journeys to the Holy Lands, holds profound significance for many. Often driven by economic necessity, individuals embark on these journeys to return home, to pay homage and respect to their parents, grandparents, and elders, carrying with them whatever they can afford. Despite the hardships, this experience is deeply satisfying, emotional, and profoundly beautiful, even if some make the journey multiple times a year.
It is heartening to observe that there are numerous filial children today who warm the hearts of many. Many of them come from the least privileged groups, perhaps facing economic challenges, yet they possess hearts of gold.
There is a well-known Chinese saying that reflects this sentiment: “If you have no love and affection for your own family, what is the point of making friends?”
In our country, various cultural and ethnic groups such as Muslims, Dayaks, Indians, Kadazans, and other indigenous communities also practice a similar tradition known as “Balik Kampung.”
The emergence of the first flowers signals the onset of spring, a season synonymous with new hopes and opportunities. This sentiment holds particular significance in our current challenging times, where the global community grapples with the intertwined challenges of extreme climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which, despite advisories to adapt, continues to evolve with concerning new sub-variants.
The perils of climate change grow increasingly evident with each passing day. Record high temperatures occur almost daily in various regions across the globe, while devastating floods wreak havoc elsewhere. Uncontrollable wildfires are becoming more frequent occurrences, juxtaposed with heavy snowfalls in other parts of the world. At the heart of this crisis lie the excessive carbon emissions stemming primarily from the burning of coal and fossil fuels to sustain our modern and often extravagant lifestyles. Addressing this root cause is imperative in combating the escalating effects of climate change and safeguarding the future of our planet.
Many global summit conferences on climate change have convened and concluded, with the most recent held in Dubai. Despite pledges made by heads of nations to strive for net zero emissions by 2050, there remains a glaring lack of genuine efforts to phase out the use of coal and fossil fuels in favour of sustainable, green alternatives. This disappointing outcome from the Dubai Summit suggests that the trajectory of extreme climate change will persist, wreaking havoc upon our planet.
The foreseeable future for humankind appears bleak, especially for those residing in sinking cities and nations, who face the harrowing reality of having “nowhere to go.” Without decisive action to address the root causes of climate change and transition to renewable energy sources, the challenges posed by environmental degradation will only escalate, posing existential threats to both ecosystems and human societies alike.
I urge each and every one of us to pray for the guidance of common sense and wisdom to prevail, leading us to take decisive actions that will contribute to the preservation and healing of our planet Earth. Let us commit ourselves to act responsibly and conscientiously, recognising our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment for present and future generations. May our prayers be accompanied by meaningful actions that promote sustainability, conservation, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
At this time, let us unite in prayer for the brave frontline heroes across our nation. Let our prayers extend to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and hospital staff serving tirelessly in both government and private healthcare facilities. May our thoughts encompass those working in homes for individuals with special needs and underlying medical conditions.
We also pray for the selfless commitment of police officers, firefighters, rescue teams, immigration officers, armed forces personnel, volunteers, and all those serving in essential roles, including pharmacy staff, restaurant employees, chefs, grocers, postal workers, couriers, food delivery riders, taxi drivers, public transport personnel, cleaners, and waste collectors. They risk their lives daily to ensure our safety and well-being.
Our gratitude extends to the journalists and media professionals, the unsung heroes of the Fourth Estate, who work tirelessly to keep us informed around the clock, often risking their safety in the process. Let us not forget the judiciary, tasked with dispensing justice to uphold the safety and integrity of our nation.
Together, let us offer our prayers, support, and appreciation for these individuals who embody courage, dedication, and compassion in their service to others.
I trust that each of you will fulfil your patriotic duty by adhering strictly to all necessary restrictive measures, whenever they are implemented. Let us refrain from placing undue strain on our healthcare system, particularly during these challenging times. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts, which they undertake every moment of the day. Let us keep them in our prayers.
At this crucial juncture, we are pleased to welcome two new figures of change. Sultan Ibrahim of Johor, the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is renowned for his fervent commitment to fostering unity among people of diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. There are high hopes that his reign will prove to be a valuable asset to the nation.
Furthermore, we welcome King Charles III as the new head of the Commonwealth. A distinguished environmentalist, he is poised to lead one-third of the world’s population in the battle against climate change. We express our gratitude to him for his efforts in raising awareness about cancer, and we pray for his swift recovery.
With the establishment of the unity government and the inauguration of the new forward-thinking government in Sarawak, we anticipate that the country will ascend to greater heights.
May each of you have a blessed, peaceful, and prosperous Lunar New Year celebration.
