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CHINESE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM

THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF MALAYSIA IN PERTH, W.A.

 

Chinese New Year is an annual “Spring” festival that is anticipated with excitement by the Chinese all over the world. Chinese New Year is rather unique in Malaysia than in any other countries as Malaysians, regardless of their ethnic background, religion and culture, celebrate the festival together as one big family.

 

It is celebrated by the young and old and especially by those who are still single, because it is the time when they receive the much awaited “Ang Pow” from their parents or married relatives and friends. As a child, I also awaited with much anticipation for my “Ang Pow” from the parents of my Chinese friends whom I visited during my childhood years in Johor. We also joined our Chinese friends in playing the fire crackers and enjoy watching the Lion Dance. The Chinese will also eat “Yee Seng” a dish that signifies longevity. On the 15^th day of Chinese New Year, Malaysian Chinese also celebrate the Chap Goh Meh, which signifies the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

 

The Malaysians in Perth also celebrate the Chinese New Year together, just like in Malaysia. The spirit of goodwill and “Muhibbah” that exist in Malaysia is also well and truly alive in Perth. I would like to urge all Malaysians in Perth to remain close and united in line with the Government’s aspiration of “ONE MALAYSIA: PEOPLE FIRST, PERFORMANCE NOW”.

This year’s Chinese New Year is the Year of the Dragon. As we all know, the Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast - it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.

 

On behalf of all the officers of the Consulate – General of Malaysia in Perth, Western Australia, and in the spirit of “1Malaysia” I would like to wish all fellow Malaysians, a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year 2012. I hope that the Year of the Dragon would bring prosperity and usher in greater peace and harmony to our country and peoples, in Perth and also in Malaysia.

 

 

“GONG XI FA CAI”

 

 

 

HAMIDAH ASHARI

 

12 January 2012