MELAKA: A heartwarming display of interfaith cooperation during a Hindu chariot procession in Cheng here has been hailed as a testament to the historic city’s enduring racial harmony.
The event was highlighted during a Chinese New Year gathering hosted by prominent philanthropist Datuk Tan Hor Sam.
Tan, 78, said the Lunar New Year celebration was an opportunity to reflect on the state’s spirit of unity. He recalled how traders of different faiths along Bachang and Cheng had allowed Hindu devotees to set up water stations for the “Masi Magam” chariot procession from the Arulmigu Sannasimalai Andavar Tirukkovill in Cheng.
“On Saturday (Feb 28), I noticed several stall owners of different faiths along Bachang and Cheng allowing Hindu devotees to set up water stations for the procession.
“This is something unique that often happens in this historic city, especially when different religious celebrations coincide, and I thank the state government for continuously promoting such a spirit of unity,” he said after hosting a Lunar New Year dinner at a restaurant here on Saturday (Feb 28).
The dinner was attended by several state dignitaries and community leaders.
Tan said such gestures of goodwill showed that mutual respect and understanding remain deeply rooted among Melaka’s diverse communities.
He also expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook in the Year of the Horse, citing encouraging national indicators.
“Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 5.2% in 2025, compared with 5.1% in 2024,” he said.
“Our ringgit has also delivered an encouraging performance, making it one of the better-performing currencies in the region,” he added.
Tan said economic stability and racial unity must go hand in hand to ensure the nation continues to progress.
“As an elderly Malaysian, I hope the younger generation will continue to preserve this spirit of racial harmony so that our country can move forward in peace and prosperity,” he said.
A United Kingdom-trained barrister-at-law, Tan managed a legal firm in Kuala Lumpur for 18 years before returning to Melaka.
Since then, he has held honorary positions in more than 30 associations covering sports, cultural, religious and educational activities.
Between 1978 and 1986, he also played a key role in developing facilities for vernacular schools in the state.
