AS we celebrate Chinese New Year together as Malaysians, let us take a minute to embrace and reinforce the sense of unity as a family. Togetherness is everything when it comes to embracing and respecting the different cultures in Malaysia. It is displayed in our everyday speech and actions.

I am particularly moved by how my colleagues and friends of different faith and religions come together to greet me Gong Xi Fa Cai in true Malaysian fashion. Their pronunciation might be a bit off. However, the values of respect, sincerity and unity were not only on in tune but on point.

The thought and care shown are all that matters. These actions, respect and kindness is not only displayed just during major festivities, but it has become part of everyday Malaysian life. I do not deny there will be times our faith and belief in unity are tested. However, do not be swayed by selfish individuals with evil agendas. Stick to your guns and believe in the good of each other. 

The sense of unity is alive and strong within our society. It is this camaraderie that has steered us through thick and thin, the good times and the bad, and served as a guiding light and strength for us to face our challenges together.

I would like to call on everyone to be reminded of our civic duty towards each other and to our beloved Malaysia. We are all children of Malaysia and share a common objective of harmony, peace and unity. We all have a shared responsibility of promoting those values, which are the pillars of progressiveness in nation-building.

In the same breath let us remember and uphold the national principles. It serves as a guiding light in national unity. Let’s unite and practise harmony, peace, moderation and unity for this has and always will be our Malaysia.

I wish all celebrating, a happy and safe Chinese New Year, and happy holidays to all Malaysians. – January 22, 2023.

* Yeap Ming Liong reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.