(From fourth left) Zabariah, Kong, Manogaran, Latif, Tan, Hii (second left) and others raise their glasses to toast the guests at the IIC’s CNY celebration.
SIBU: In a wonderful display of 1Malaysia spirit some 160 people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds thronged a Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration held at the Islamic Complex here yesterday.
Hosted for the first time in Sibu by Sarawak Islamic Information Centre (IIC) and co-organised by United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu Division, it was an ideal platform to strengthen racial unity and religious harmony.
Speaking at the gathering, IIC chief executive officer Zabariah Matali said the centre had been celebrating the festival for the past seven years.
“Most of the celebrations were carried out in Kuching and this is the first time, we are having it in Sibu. Previously, we had it in Miri.
“We believe this kind of celebration would bring people together to better understand each other’s culture, traditions and faiths,” she said.
Among those present were Roman Catholic Church Bishop of Sibu Right Reverend Joseph Hii, An-Nor Mosque management committee chairman Latif Coupon, Sibu Buddhist Association chairman Charlie Tan, and K Manogaran from Sibu Sri Mahamariam man Temple.
Meanwhile, speaking at the same function, UCA president Kong Hian Khim said IIC was very new to UCA Sibu and they (UCA) had come to the understanding that IIC was very active in promoting harmony among Sarawakians of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He described IIC as very open-minded in their efforts to promote greater harmony, adding that IIC even paid a visit to temples among others, to understand their culture and history.
“Organising this function with UCA at Sibu Islamic Complex and inviting representatives from various religions is a good example of their open-mindedness and mutual respect for others.
“This friendly gesture really touches our hearts and we appreciate it very much,” he added.
In the hand-out from IIC to reporters, it stated Sarawak was known for its rich ethnic and cultural traditions whereby the Chinese New Year was not only celebrated by the Chinese community, but also celebrated by everyone in Sarawak.
Additionally, all programmes and activities organised by IIC were meant to promote a better understanding and appreciation of Islam among the multi-ethnic and different religious populace of Sarawak.