KUCHING, Feb 11: A total of 100 underprivileged families in Batu Kitang and Kota Sentosa constituency received contributions from the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Batu Kitang branch in conjunction with the festive celebration.
Its chairman Abdul Aziz Isa, who is also the special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, in a press statement today said, the contribution program distributed pork meat to the Chinese families and was handled by DAP Batu Kitang deputy chairman Jack Murch.
According to Abdul Aziz, given the importance of food in Chinese culture, it is not surprising that certain dishes play a major role in Chinese New Year celebration and some foods that are considered lucky or offer good fortune are part of the menu, as are ingredients with names in Chinese sound similar to positive words.
“Pork somehow made it into the list of the most common food served during Chinese New Year. According to the Chinese beliefs, pork is a symbol of strength, wealth and abundant blessing. The pig is considered an animal of progress because it moves forward as it roots around for food. Years ago, if your family had a pig you were doing well,” he said.
Abdul Aziz pointed out that although it is prohibited to consume pork as a Muslim, it is also not wrong to give it to others who consume it.
Furthermore, he explained, as a Malaysian, it is a must to show compassion to one another and embrace the beauty of multi-racialism.
“While we are celebrating this festive season, we should not forget that there are many people around us who are less fortunate and hungry with little to no food to enjoy this auspicious celebration.
“Our generosity may be little but to them, it will be very meaningful. It is not the amount or value of goodies we give to them that matters but it is our heart and our love for them that matters,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz also extended his gratitude to the kind donors for their generosity in sponsoring the Chinese New Year Charity Visit program.
He said although the contribution is not much, they will try their best to serve the public in any way possible regardless of their races, religion and political affiliations.
“In conjunction with this auspicious season, let’s share the love, joy and cheers to the less fortunate and less privileged members of our society.
“It is our hope that these contributions will enable them to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year in a more meaningful way, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and may the Year of the Ox brings more luck, success and prosperity,” he said. –DayakDaily.
