Wishing all Malaysian Chinese as well as Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, a Happy Chinese New Year as it is now a festivity celebrated by all Malaysians regardless of race and religion.
Chinese New Year, which begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice, has been described as the most important holiday for Chinese people worldwide.
In China, it is marked by the world’s largest annual human migrations with 2.8 billion trips made across the country in the mass exodus of students, migrant labourers, factory workers and office employees making their long journeys home to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year in Malaysia has become a very Malaysian affair, despite its ethnic origins and associations.
In Malaysia, the Chinese New Year is also marked by major human migrations, but not confined to the Chinese as it affects other ethnic groups as well.
Many issues will jostle for top attention among Malaysians during the Chinese New Year.
The following are likely to be the top Chinese New Year conversation topics by Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, viz:
In pondering long and hard about these and other issues concerning the future of our beloved nation, Malaysians should reaffirm their resolve and commitment not to be by-standers but to play an active and important role to shape destiny of our nation.
Happy Chinese New Year of the Goat for Malaysian Chinese and all Malaysians.