DOMESTIC Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that ethnic and religious celebrations like Chinese New Year (CNY) provide an important platform to promote goodwill and strengthen unity among the people, particularly in Sabah.
The Papar member of parliament added that differences in religion and ethnicity have never posed a barrier to harmony in society.
“We live in peace and harmony because we uphold the principle of mutual acceptance and respect.
"When the Chinese celebrate the Chinese New Year, we celebrate together. “When the Bajau and Brunei communities celebrate Aidilfitri, the Chinese and Kadazan communities also join in the festivities,” he said in a Facebook post reported by Bernama.
He said that in conjunction with today’s CNY celebrations, he took the opportunity to visit 87-year-old Lu Wong Siew, a hair salon operator in Papar.
“She used to cut my hair when I was in primary and secondary school. Aunty Wong Siew operated her hair salon for many years, and I visited her regularly for haircuts. It wasn’t just me, my late mother was also made up by her for her wedding long ago.
“She is Chinese, and I am a Bajau. These differences have never been an issue for us, nor for the Papar community as a whole. We live in peace and harmony because we uphold the principle of mutual acceptance and respect,” he emphasised.
Armizan called on the people to emulate the qualities of the Horse, which is celebrated for its agility, boundless energy, speed and resilient spirit.
“In the Chinese calendar, this is the Year of the Fire Horse. Therefore, let us embrace the spirit of the Fire Horse and translate it into our work culture, and most importantly, let us continue to safeguard and preserve the peace, prosperity and unity that we enjoy today,” he concluded. – February 17, 2026
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