‘Understanding, openmindedness unique features of M’sians’
MIRI: High levels of understanding and openmindedness among Malaysians, and Sarawakians in particular, give unique features to local festive celebrations such as Chinese New Year.
“We are able to celebrate every festival and celebration in peace and harmony together under the spirit of unity. Although the Lunar New Year is a Chinese celebration, people of other racial and religious backgrounds also join the celebration by visiting open house of their family members, relatives and friends,” Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said when met during Penghulu Desmond Yap’s Chinese New Year open house on Saturday.
“There are no problems for us to sit together without prejudice although among the food and drinks served are non-halal (items) and to share the joy of the celebration. Most of us understand and know what to and not to serve to the Muslims,” he added.
This sensitivity
We are able to celebrate every festival and celebration in peace and harmony together under the spirit of unity. Although the Lunar New Year is a Chinese celebration, people of other racial and religious backgrounds also join the celebration by visiting open house of their family members, relatives and friends. Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman
and understanding of religious restrictions are reflected whereby some non-Muslim hosts get the services of Muslims to slaughter animals such as chickens or ducks which will be prepared to be served to their Muslim visitors. They also cautions or reminded their visitors of non- halal food before they start eating.
“It is common practice to cater the food and cakes or biscuits from (halal) caterers and restaurants to eliminate doubts on the food and food preparation among the wellwishers. Therefore, it is important for us to tolerate and accept each other’s differences and to treasure unity and better understanding among us,” he added.
Dennis hoped that the Year of the Rooster could bring a better life to all.
“Like the beautiful feathers of a rooster of mixed colour, my wish is that the new year will open more sources of income, better health and harmonious living among the people of different religious and racial backgrounds. Let us work together for a better life.”
He also called on people to continue the open house practice as one way to keep the nation’s fabric strong and to defend against individuals or groups with selfish political agendas who want to cause tension and break up the communities. Miri Resident Antonio Kahti Galis was among the well-wishers who visited Yap.