KUALA LUMPUR: Several Cabinet ministers extended their greetings to Malaysians celebrating Chinese New Year on Tuesday (Feb 1), with hopes that the Year of the Tiger will bring prosperity and strength to the “Malaysian Family”.

National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique said the Year of the Tiger symbolised the strength and courage that has always existed among the people.

“This can be clearly seen whenever our country faces various challenges and tests. All this can be faced and endured with great perseverance.

“The spirit of struggle, togetherness and unity in the Malaysian Family further strengthens the bonds of unity and camaraderie that have been formed and existed between us for so long,” she said in a statement Monday (Jan 31).

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali also hoped that the New Year would bring joy, prosperity and health.

“The Year of the Tiger brings with it the characteristics of harmony and togetherness, strength and diligence, resilience and courage,” he said in a statement Monday.

He also called on Malaysians to celebrate the New Year with commitment and enthusiasm to be united, to work hard to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and to ensure a vibrant and sustainable economic recovery.

He stressed that, with full confidence and commitment, the country would achieve lasting success as the Malaysian Family.

“Let us celebrate Chinese New Year with goodwill, mutual respect, unity, (thereby) strengthening ties as a progressive and dignified nation moving towards creating a brighter future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun also called for this year’s Chinese New Year to be celebrated in a spirit of goodwill and harmony, and joyously.

“Happy Chinese Year Near to all our Tionghua friends in the country. May the beginning of this new ‘Tiger’ inspire a spirit of unity and bring continued prosperity, well-being and happiness to the people,” she said in a Facebook post Monday.

Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, meanwhile, hoped the Chinese New Year will bring with it lasting health, happiness and prosperity to all Malaysians.

“I wish the Tionghua community in Malaysia a Happy Chinese New Year. Celebrate this festival in an atmosphere under the new normal for the well-being of all. Gong Xi Fa Cai, Xin Nian Kuai Le,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s special envoy to India and South Asia, Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran also took the opportunity to send his Chinese New Year greetings, with the hope that it will be celebrated in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect among the races.

“As everyone knows, this year is the Year of the Tiger and this animal is known for its energetic characteristics, strength, as well as courage and, is it is hoped it will bring glory, fitness and determination throughout 2022,” he said in a statement.

Vigneswaran, who is also the MIC president, said the willingness of Malaysians to celebrate the diversity in society proves that it is a strength for our country to continue to progress and be competitive. – Bernama