KUALA LUMPUR: The huge contribution from the Chinese community to the country's economic development, particularly in tourism, arts and culture, has made Malaysia an attractive tourism destination, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Speaking during the first virtual Chinese New Year open house celebration today, he called on Malaysians to continue preserving the country's rich cultural traditions that have become the pride of the nation and recognised around the world.
Muhyiddin compared the rich cultural identities of Malaysia to the lively and colourful ingredients of Yee Sang, with the country's multi-cultural society known for celebrating different religious and cultural festivals every year.
"This is the pride of our country, where we can celebrate every festival harmoniously and with great spirit of unity," he said at the 'new norm' open house event which was streamed live on RTM1 at 9pm; and on the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's (Motac) Facebook page.
He said Chinese New Year is regarded as "incomplete" without the tradition of giving Angpau to children and relatives who are still single.
"With the risk of Covid-19 infection still in the community, I believe it is appropriate to adapt the practices and traditions (during the celebration) to embrace a more innovative form (of giving out Angpau) through digital technology, such as the e-Angpau application.
"Although physical meetings are limited at this time, the technology available today should be utilised to strengthen our relationship with one another," he said.
Muhyiddin also reminded Malaysians to continue to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) to curb Covid-19 transmission.
On this note, he said 2020 had been a difficult year, as the country was faced with unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19, but which also taught many things to the nation.
"The government empathises with the people and will continue to listen to the people who are affected by the pandemic.
"Therefore, the government has introduced numerous initiatives, including the latest Economic Stimulus Package – the Perlindungan Ekonomi dan Rakyat Malaysia (Permai) – for the welfare of the people and to support business continuity.
He assured the rakyat that the government would continue its efforts to balance caring for the people's lives and the country's economy.
"As the saying goes: We cannot change the direction of the wind, but we can adjust our sails to always reach our destination.
"We are our own sails and let us work together to ride this storm. Chinese New Year is about togetherness, peace, prosperity and happiness.
"I pray that this concept transcends age, race, religion and culture, and I believe that the Lunar New Year will bring New Hope and New Achievements."
Also at the ceremony were Motac Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Audiences of the virtual open house were treated to a feast of artistic performances, including by artistes Nicole Lai and Masya Masyitah.
