Festive sharing a window to nation’s multicultural unity

(From third left) Competition winner Nurkhadijah Shazlin Mat Sali with her friend Jenny Foo, alongside Ameer Ali and Siti Hawa, after a lion dance performance gifted by the former in Seri Kembangan, Selangor on Feb 14.

THE largest halal homegrown retail chain, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) showcased the multicultural unity of Malaysians through its “Kongsi Sama-Sama” competition.

The competition was unveiled as part of Mydin’s Chinese New Year (CNY) “Kongsi Meriah” campaign that began last December.

Some winners of the competition demonstrated the spirit of unity by gifting their “unique win” ― a lion dance performance ― to friends of other religions.

Mydin officials said the winners’ decision to share the joy of their CNY celebration by handing over the lion dance performance as gifts, showcased the Malaysian culture of sharing festivities.

(From left) Mydin marketing and brand communications department manager B. Gurubaran, competition winner Amirul Shafiq, Ameer Ali and his wife, Mydin director Datin Siti Hawa Mohd, after the lion dance performance held at Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Recreation Club in Subang, Selangor on Feb 12.

The inaugural competition had 28 winners selected through participation by spending a minimum of RM118 on selected items from participating brands at Mydin outlets.

These lucky recipients were treated to special lion dance performances at their homes or chosen locations.

The CNY campaign was launched by National Unity Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang on Feb 1 at Mydin USJ, Subang Jaya.

The winners were blessed with the presence of the God of Prosperity and received a set of halal yee sang, RM88 hamper and box of mandarin oranges.

The announcement of the winners was shared on Mydin Malaysia’s Facebook page on Feb 11.

‘Kongsi Sama-Sama’ competition winner Hilwa Hilmy gifted the lion dance performance to her friend Chooi Wei Lin (right) who received a hamper from Mydin northern region director Azmin Saduruddin (second from left) in Kepala Batas, Penang on Feb 18.

The winners received the gifts through Mydin area managers and branch managers during the lion dance performances carried out by Malaysia Long Xin Dragon and Lion Dance troupe teams nationwide.

Mydin managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin expressed gratitude to customers for their continuous support, stating that gifting the lion dance performance was a way to show appreciation.

Ameer Ali said they received overwhelming response for the competition.

“For the recent CNY, I had the opportunity to celebrate with the winners of the free lion dance through the “Kongsi Sama-Sama” contest.

Competition winner Mohd Hadzrul Abd Jamil (right) participating in yee sang tossing together with Mydin branch manager Azrul Abdul Kadir (third from right) and team in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Negri Sembilan on Feb 14.

“It is difficult to describe the joy of how racial harmony is nurtured and expressed by the entire community.

“May the spirit of unity between races be maintained forever,” he added.

The competition received over 5,000 entries.

One of the winners, Lim Cheng Teong, described it as the best initiative to celebrate the Lunar New Year, expressing excitement and gratitude to Mydin for sponsoring the lion dances.

Amirul Shafiq Abdul Karim, a winner from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Recreation Club in Subang, expressed hope the event could become an annual tradition, allowing all communities to feel the harmony of various festivities.