KUCHING: The State-level Chinese New Year open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today was more than just a festive gathering – it was a celebration of unity, family and shared joy among Sarawakians of all backgrounds.
Attended by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, the grand celebration drew a steady stream of visitors from across the state, each bringing their own stories and heartfelt appreciation for the occasion.
For Thomas Wong, 72, attending the open house was a delightful first-time experience.
“I first heard about this Chinese New Year celebration from fellow church members when I attended a service.
“They informed us about the gathering, and we were delighted to know that our TYT, the Premier and Deputy Premier are hosting such an open house for the Chinese community,” he said.
Wong, who came with his entire family, described the event as grander than he had expected.
“So far, everything has been wonderful, the food is very good and I truly enjoy it. This is actually my first time attending, and I didn’t realise it would be this grand,” he added.
What touched him most, however, was the sight of people from different races celebrating together.
“It’s heartening to see Malays and other communities sitting together. Sarawak is one of the best in Malaysia in terms of racial harmony.
“I certainly hope there will be more celebrations like this in the future – whether it is Hari Raya, Hari Gawai or any other festive celebration, we will definitely join if such events are held here,” he said.
For Timah Sabam, 49, the celebration symbolised the strength of Sarawak’s multiracial unity.
“This is not my first time attending a festive celebration here, as I have previously joined the Hari Raya open house. However, for Chinese New Year, this is my first time,” she shared.
Timah learned about the event through social media and brought along her entire family to join in the festivities.
“Celebrations on such a grand scale truly highlight the unity of the multiracial community coming together to celebrate each festive occasion,” she said, expressing hope that similar programmes would continue to be organised in the future.
Meanwhile, Meden Chong, 67, who discovered the event through a local newspaper, described the atmosphere as lively and welcoming.
“This is my second time coming here. I decided to attend with my husband. The food is enjoyable and the environment is vibrant, complemented by beautiful decorations,” she said.
Chong noted that it was uplifting to see people of all ages and backgrounds gathering under one roof.
“It is wonderful to see people of different backgrounds – from the young to the elderly and from various races – coming together to spread festive cheer. I hope that celebrations like this will continue to be organised in the future.”
As families posed for photographs, shared meals and exchanged greetings, the open house stood as a vivid reflection of Sarawak’s long-cherished spirit of inclusivity – where every celebration becomes a shared celebration, and unity remains the true highlight of the festivities.
