KUCHNG: The Sarawak tradition of hosting open houses during festivals has been an appropriate platform through which the multi-ethnic groups unite for the state’s stability and progress.
Social worker Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon said festivals like Gawai Dayak , Hari Raya, Hindu New Year, Pesta Kaamatan, Chinese New Year, as well as Christmas, the Georgian New Year and the Baha’i New Year are freely celebrated in Malaysia, bringing people of various races together.
“It has been the practice for families and groups to hold open houses for all their friends of all ethnic and religious groups and their families,” he said in his Chinese New Year message here, yesterday.
He said Sarawak and Sabah are particularly known for their exceedingly warm hospitality even before the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
“The simple exchange of visits has played a significant role in promoting better relationships among the different groups.
“This exercise has fostered better understanding among all groups, which is beneficial to our nation-building effort,” he said.
On the “balik kampung” exodus, unique during festive occasions, Ang noted that at family level, thousands of people who are working in bigger cities or overseas to make a better living, go back to their hometowns to pay respects to their parents and elders, bringing with them gifts in cash and in kind.
“Some travel for thousands of miles, others by trains, buses or boats to perform their filial duties, having done well financially during the year outside their family homes.
“I am always very impressed by the touching sight of people, many from low income groups, who have saved over a whole year to make this pilgrimage of love, and respect to their families,” he said.
