Festive open house by Jakim and Chinese Muslim group to foster understanding

Amid the increased racial tension of the past year, a multi-racial and festive Chinese New Year open house is aiming to foster understanding and unity among Malaysian society.

The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Malaysian Muslim Chinese Association (Macma) jointly organised a Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur today which saw the attendance of Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

The open house was held to promote the beauty of a multi-racial and multi-religious society as well as to break the perception that one will become a Malay if they convert to Islam, according to Jakim.

“It is also meant to show that any traditions of any culture which does not go against Islam can be accepted by Islam.

“This programme is done in a casual and harmonious way, inclusive of Muslims and non-Muslims.

“This shows that Islam does not hate the non-Muslims as well as to rebuke the misunderstanding and accusations that Islam is a religion that condones violence,” Jakim said.

The programme, which saw a multi-racial crowd of about 300 people, was filled with cultural performances such as a Chinese orchestra, lion dance, a children’s fashion show and Sichuan mask-changing dance.

There was also a lot of Chinese Muslim food provided, including a giant horizontal ‘yee sang’ spanning more than two metres long. A group of people, including Wan Azizah and Mujahid, gathered to toss the ‘yee sang’.

Guests of the open house were seen interacting happily with the lion dancers and the mask-changing dancers who went around the hall to greet each table during their performance.

“I really hope that effective efforts towards fostering unity will be multifold at all levels, be it national, state, district, community or even family.

“At the same time, the Muslims in Malaysia should show to all that Islam is a religion that brings blessings to all in this world, in line with the concept of Rahmatan Lil Alamin,” said Wan Azizah during her speech at the programme. - Mkini