Malaysia

Rulers call for unity and harmony in Chinese New Year messages

King and state rulers urge citizens to safeguard goodwill and reject divisive rhetoric as the nation ushers in the Lunar New Year

Updated 5 months ago · Published on 17 Feb 2026 6:56AM

Rulers call for unity and harmony in Chinese New Year messages
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim says he hoped the celebration would bring continued happiness and prosperity to the country - February 17, 2026

HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and Queen, Raja Zarith Sofiah, have conveyed Chinese New Year greetings to Malaysians nationwide, expressing hopes that the festival will be celebrated in an atmosphere of joy, harmony and unity.

In a message shared on Facebook, His Majesty said he hoped the celebration would bring continued happiness and prosperity to the country.

“May this Chinese New Year celebration be observed in an atmosphere filled with joy, harmony and the spirit of unity.

“May this Chinese New Year also bring happiness, well-being and continued prosperity to our beloved nation,” His Majesty said.

In Selangor, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah reminded Malaysians that every festive occasion should serve as a platform to strengthen goodwill and mutual respect among all communities.

He said celebrations such as Chinese New Year are not merely age-old traditions, but symbols of the cultural richness and heritage that form part of the national identity.

“Malaysia is built upon the foundations of racial, religious and cultural diversity. It is this strength that makes us unique and respected on the world stage.

“Let open houses, congratulatory greetings and the practice of sharing sustenance be proof of our sincerity in respecting one another’s beliefs and cultures,” he said in a message issued through the Selangor Royal Office.

At the same time, the Sultan cautioned the public against being influenced by certain parties, particularly politicians, who stoke division for narrow interests.

“The unity we have built over so long must not be sacrificed to rhetoric that divides society. This country belongs to all of us, and the harmony we enjoy today is the result of the tolerance and wisdom of previous generations.

“I hope that the people will continue to preserve harmony by embracing moderation, mutual respect and a shared sense of belonging as common values,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin also urged Malaysians to respect the religious and cultural celebrations of other communities.

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, extended Chinese New Year greetings to the Chinese community in Pahang and across the country, together with the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

In a Facebook post, the Pahang Sultanate said Their Royal Highnesses expressed hope that the celebration would be marked by joy, prosperity and happiness with family and friends.

"May this Chinese New Year bring cheer, lasting good health and further strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony among the multiracial people of Pahang Darul Makmur in particular and Malaysia in general.

"Happy Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai," Their Royal Highnesses said. - February 17, 2026

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