Sarawak spirit: Dr Sim (second from left) greeting visitors during the Chinese New Year open house at Dewan Masyarakat in Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak’s multicultural harmony was on full display at a Chinese New Year open house at Dewan Masyarakat in Padungan here.
People from all races flocked to the open house yesterday, jointly hosted by the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Kuching South City Council, and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the purpose was not only to celebrate Chinese New Year but to bring people together and interact during the festive season.
“This is what we call the Sarawak spirit. You can see everyone coming here regardless of race or religion to say hello and eat at the same table.
“The less fortunate and NGOs like the Salvation Army are here, too. In Sarawak, we not only celebrate unity in diversity, we also celebrate harmony in diversity,” he said.
Also present were co-hosts Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, MPP chairman Lo Khere Chiang, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
Wee called on Sarawakians to continue their spirit of harmony while also caring for those in need.
“Don’t let anyone spoil our unity and diversity,” he said.
He also reminded the public to take precautions while celebrating as the Covid-19 virus was still around.
“We have to be alert. One good sign is that the majority of the crowd here are wearing masks.
“It’s important for us to protect ourselves and our families,” he said.
Student Sharifah Nur Nafissha Wan Danol, 17, said she was happy to be able to visit the open house after two years of the pandemic.
“The celebration is not only for the Chinese; other races can come and celebrate, too. It shows Sarawak’s multicultural harmony at its best,” she said.
Sharifah also said she would usually visit her Chinese friends during the Lunar New Year.
“In the last two years we couldn’t go visiting but some of us were able to hang out via Zoom.
“It’s nice to be able to go visiting again,” she said, adding that she enjoyed the food and seeing people coming together to celebrate at the open house.
Homemaker Norliliana Abdullah observed that the open house was a multicultural event for everyone to meet friends and family.
“It’s a really colourful and happy occasion. I love the positive energy and seeing everyone enjoying themselves.
“People are so friendly and greet one another,” she said.
