BY NURA VALENTIANA & NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hoped that the harmonious spirit that is a trait of the Year of the Rabbit would continue to foster harmony among the various races and religions in the region.
He commended the continuation of efforts to foster greater unity among the religiously, racially, and culturally diverse Sarawakians.
He said it is usual for Sarawak’s people of all races and religions to share their delight and happiness with people of other races during festive seasons like Chinese New Year (CNY).
The tradition of visiting adds merriment to the setting, just like it does during Hari Raya, Dayak Gawai, or Christmas.
Having said that, he noted that the tradition of paying visits to those who are having CNY celebrations is part of an ongoing effort to enhance friendships and the value of treating one another with respect.
“Since the COVID-19 epidemic has affected us for more than two years, we are pleased that things are almost back to normal.
“Though infections still happen due to the emergence of novel strains, as has recently been reported in other locations, we should always be on the alert.
“In spite of this, I genuinely hope that we can all take advantage of the chance to enjoy ourselves with family and friends as we celebrate the Year of the Rabbit,” he said in his 2023 Chinese New Year message.
Touching on the Year of the Rabbit, he said: “I also came to learn that the ‘rabbit’ symbolises forgiveness, elegance, and beauty, as well as patience and luck according to Chinese astrology.
“I certainly and sincerely hope that these attributes of the rabbit can be a useful reference on how we should conduct ourselves in the new year 2023 so that we can always be on top of any adverse situations that may come our way,” he said.
As the people usher in the Lunar New Year, Abang Johari noted that Sarawakians must be constantly reminded that the post COVID-19 era will not be a time for plain sailing.
He said the pandemic had changed the way businesses were conducted and people had to be able to overcome hurdles to move forward.
“Though we need to exercise patience in dealing with obstacles as we go along, we are not in the habit of leaving it to luck to be able to overcome issues affecting us, especially the economy.
“This is why we have formulated the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to chart a clear direction towards recovery and always be on track to be a developed economy with high income by 2030, God willing,” he added.
While experts predict that the global economy will continue to decline in 2023, Abang Johari, who is also the Gedong assemblyman, believes that people are optimistic that the new year would offer some changes to the existing situation as they cautiously tread the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like the consistent but calm nibbling of a rabbit, let us pray for a year that is calmer and more harmonious as we transition into the endemic phase of COVID-19.
“But what we should never take for granted is our continuous unity and solidarity as Sarawakians to ensure that Sarawak has a firm grounding towards progress and advancement in the next eight years before ushering in 2030,” he asserted.
