Fatimah (right) performing the eye-dotting ceremony, witnessed by Song. — Photo by Mohd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Sarawak is a great example of racial harmony because despite having various races, cultures, belief systems and religions its people can still sit together with one another and respect each other, said Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.
Thus, she called on the people to set a good example of tolerance and understanding for their children.
“Despite our diversity, this is what we want for our children, so that they can live happily, harmoniously in our beloved state of Sarawak. We do not tolerate extremism,” said Fatimah at the Nanyang Wushu Golden Lion Dance Festival and Symbolic Prosperity Lion Eye-Dotting Ceremony held at Crown Towers on Saturday night.
As such, she commended Nanyang Wushu for promoting racial harmony amongst the students as it accepts other races and teaches them about the Chinese culture.
“The students grow to respect others as they learn about each other’s culture and religion during interaction during the classes. Wushu also teaches them determination, discipline, resilience and let them grow up healthy.
“We need our younger generation to be resilient because they face many challenges which are very different from our time.”
Noting that Wushu is a good form of exercise, Fatimah announced a minor rural project (MRP) grant of RM5,000 to Nanyang Wushu.
Meanwhile, Fatimah urged the people to continue to support the government during the coming state election.
She said the government would not let anyone to be left out, be it in education or welfare assistance.
“No child in Sarawak will be left out in education. Our government is the government that emphasises on education, welfare and unity. Thus, there is no reason not to support the government.”
Earlier, Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak state chairman Prof Dato Sri Dr Song Swee Hee said major celebrations like Chinese New Year showcase racial unity here, which is the envy of other countries around the world.
“In Nanyang Wushu, we welcome people of all races to participate in our wushu, lion dance, dragon dance and other cultural classes. We hope to promote peace and harmony, as well as the spirit of cooperation among the various races in Malaysia. We believe that we should instil the values of tolerance, diligence and determination in our youths who will be our future leaders,” said Song.
The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival is to celebrate the beginning of a new year. It is a time to renew and re-establish relationships with family, relatives and friends, and also to forgive those who have wronged us. It is also a time to re-examine our actions and try to overcome all our shortcomings, he said.
Chinese New Year celebration is not complete without the Lion Dance, as it generates a joyous and merry atmosphere. This is why Nanyang Wushu continues to promote and practise the traditional art of Lion Dance, he added.
“Lion Dance is very much a part of the Chinese tradition and an outstanding feature of the Chinese culture. Therefore, it is very important for us to preserve this traditional art so that our youths will not forget their identity and roots.”
In addition, the Lion Dance training process inculcates self-discipline, resilience and cooperation among our youths, which in turn contribute to character building, development and growth of our youths, he said.
Also present was Nanyang Wushu Federation of Sarawak vice president Wong Ming Kong.