‘Invite friends of other races to join reunion dinner’

Chinese families celebrating Chinese New Year have been called upon to invite friends of other races in their neighbourhood to join their reunion dinner.

In making the call, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said this was to create brotherhood in the neighbourhood and harmonious living in society.

“It could be even better if we go further by including all races,” he said when speaking at the Unity Night— Sarawak Celebrates programme organised in conjunction with Chinese New Year by the Federation of Seven Clan Associations ( FSCA) in collaboration with Sibu Resident and District Offices on Sunday night.

Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King who is also Sibu Municipal Council chairman, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce, Temenggong Stanley Gramong, Sibu Resident Hii Chang Kee, Sibu District Officer Awang Yusuf Awang Mustapha and FSCA president Chung Bui Kuek were among those present.

Wong, who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman, said this event was the first of its kind this year and aimed at inviting all races in the community to come together for a joyous occasion.

He said the purpose of such a gathering was to forge a closer community of different races so that there was greater solidarity, cohesion and togetherness among them.

“This is the beginning of the first of this kind (of programme) and I hope this will be perpetual in the years to come.

“In fact, I would like to challenge FSCA next year to organise a bigger gathering, if not double (in size), it should be triple, or even quadruple to make it a 100- table, not just 30odd tables,” he pointed out.

Wong also remarked that Sarawak can take pride in its uniqueness.

He said in this world of complexity, political affiliation and different ideologies, he hoped that people would be moderate, would not be extreme, and not be radical in their outlook or behaviour.

“We should not just be able to tolerate one another, we should also be able to live happily, harmoniously together,” he said, adding that he disagreed with some Westerners who claimed that Malaysia is an unstable state.

“Ours is a truly stable and harmonious ( country), particularly Sarawak,” Wong pointed out.

Various activites including lion dances and new year songs added to the festive atmosphere.