Domestic Trade Minister Armizan Mohd Ali says celebrations like Chinese New Year promote goodwill and strengthen unity, particularly in Sabah’s diverse communities.

KOTA KINABALU: Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali has highlighted ethnic and religious celebrations as vital platforms for fostering goodwill and national unity.

The Papar MP stated that differences in religion and ethnicity have never been a barrier to social harmony in Malaysia.

“We live in peace and harmony because we uphold the principle of mutual acceptance and respect,” he said in a Facebook post.

He noted that when the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year, other communities join in, just as Chinese and Kadazan communities celebrate Aidilfitri with Bajau and Brunei friends.

Armizan shared that he visited his 87-year-old former barber, Lu Wong Siew, in Papar for the new year.

He recalled her cutting his hair throughout his school years and even preparing his late mother for her wedding decades ago.

“She is Chinese and I am a Bajau. These differences have never been an issue for us, nor for the Papar community as a whole,” he emphasised.

The minister urged the public to emulate the qualities of the Horse, celebrated for its agility, energy, and resilient spirit.

He called on everyone to embrace the spirit of the Fire Horse in their work and to continue safeguarding the nation’s peace, prosperity, and unity.

 The Sun Malaysia