KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are urged to appreciate and uphold unity which is the foundation to the country’s peace, said businessman and philanthropist Datuk Chua Lai Huat.
He said Malaysia was a unique country as its citizens and visitors were able to enjoy the diverse cultures and food from the multi-racial society.
“Organising open houses during festive season is also a practise which could help foster ties among the multiracial people,” he said when met during the Chinese New Year open house at his family home in Bukit Persekutuan.
Chua, 80, who is Chua Lai Huat Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman, said as an elderly and a businessman, he hoped that Malaysia would remain peaceful and continue to prosper.
“Malaysians would be able to live comfortably when the country continues to enjoy economic growth,” he said.
Also present were Yayasan Perpaduan Malaysia trustee Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Gombak Setia assemblyman Muhamad Hilman Idham, Chua Lai Huat Holdings Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk K.C. Chua and Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd managing director Lars Lehmann.
Lee said the open house concept which was a tradition in Malaysia would also provide an opportunity to foreigners to learn more about the cultures here.
He said the racial harmony enjoyed by Malaysians today was a result of the hardwork and struggles of the earlier generations who were willing to tolerate with each other for the sake of developing the country.
There were also lion dance performance and distribution of ang pow to children at the event which was attended by some 300 people, including foreigners.