(Miri, 15th) Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin stated that organizing Dragon Boat Festival events is not only about celebrating a traditional festival, but more importantly, it allows the younger generation to understand the historical significance and spiritual values of Chinese culture, ensuring that outstanding traditions are passed down through generations.
He expressed this in his speech yesterday morning when attending the “Sharing the Fragrance of Dumplings, Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival” event organized by the Women’s Section of SUPP Senadin Branch at the branch premises.
As Chairman of SUPP Senadin Branch, Lee Kim Shin pointed out that the Dragon Boat Festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese society. It is mainly held to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, and thus, it is more appropriate to wish each other “Peaceful Dragon Boat Festival” rather than “Happy Dragon Boat Festival.”
He said that traditional festive activities not only allow the public to revisit cultural customs, but also enable the younger generation to learn about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival and traditional skills such as making rice dumplings, thus deepening their understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
He praised the Women’s Section of SUPP Senadin Branch for making this year’s Dragon Boat Festival celebration unique by integrating more traditional cultural elements, fully demonstrating the cultural significance of the festival, something that is commendable.
Lee Kim Shin stated that SUPP is a multiracial party, so while organizing Chinese traditional festive activities, people from other ethnic groups are also welcomed to participate together, giving everyone the opportunity to learn about and understand the cultures and customs of different communities.
“When all ethnicities can understand, respect, and appreciate each other’s culture, it will further promote societal unity and harmony, and together build a society where multiculturalism and multireligious coexistence flourish.”
He pointed out that one of Sarawak’s greatest strengths is its rich and diverse ethnic cultures. Whether in terms of traditional festivals, attire, cuisine, or customs, all display Sarawak’s unique cultural charm, attracting visitors from afar to experience it.
“When we learn about the cultures of other ethnicities, we become more able to respect and appreciate each other. The mutual participation of various ethnic groups in important festive occasions is a key reflection of Sarawak’s harmonious society.”
In addition, he called on the Youth Section to proactively encourage more young people to participate in traditional cultural activities in the future, so that youth can personally experience and learn about Chinese traditional customs.
“If the younger generation does not even understand the significance of traditional festivals such as Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, cultural inheritance will face a break. Therefore, the participation of young people is very important. We must pass on Chinese culture from generation to generation.”
He also thanked members of the Women’s Section for their long-standing efforts in promoting traditional cultural activities, and praised the creative craftsmanship on display at the event, which showcased both environmental protection ideals and ingenuity, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the event.
In closing, he wished everyone a “Peaceful Dragon Boat Festival,” and hopes that more young people will participate in traditional cultural activities in the future, working together to inherit and promote China’s outstanding traditional culture.
As Chairman of SUPP Senadin Branch, Lee Kim Shin pointed out that the Dragon Boat Festival has a history of over 2,000 years and is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese society. It is mainly held to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, and thus, it is more appropriate to wish each other “Peaceful Dragon Boat Festival” rather than “Happy Dragon Boat Festival.”
He said that traditional festive activities not only allow the public to revisit cultural customs, but also enable the younger generation to learn about the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival and traditional skills such as making rice dumplings, thus deepening their understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
He praised the Women’s Section of SUPP Senadin Branch for making this year’s Dragon Boat Festival celebration unique by integrating more traditional cultural elements, fully demonstrating the cultural significance of the festival, something that is commendable.
Lee Kim Shin stated that SUPP is a multiracial party, so while organizing Chinese traditional festive activities, people from other ethnic groups are also welcomed to participate together, giving everyone the opportunity to learn about and understand the cultures and customs of different communities.
“When all ethnicities can understand, respect, and appreciate each other’s culture, it will further promote societal unity and harmony, and together build a society where multiculturalism and multireligious coexistence flourish.”
He pointed out that one of Sarawak’s greatest strengths is its rich and diverse ethnic cultures. Whether in terms of traditional festivals, attire, cuisine, or customs, all display Sarawak’s unique cultural charm, attracting visitors from afar to experience it.
“When we learn about the cultures of other ethnicities, we become more able to respect and appreciate each other. The mutual participation of various ethnic groups in important festive occasions is a key reflection of Sarawak’s harmonious society.”
In addition, he called on the Youth Section to proactively encourage more young people to participate in traditional cultural activities in the future, so that youth can personally experience and learn about Chinese traditional customs.
“If the younger generation does not even understand the significance of traditional festivals such as Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, cultural inheritance will face a break. Therefore, the participation of young people is very important. We must pass on Chinese culture from generation to generation.”
He also thanked members of the Women’s Section for their long-standing efforts in promoting traditional cultural activities, and praised the creative craftsmanship on display at the event, which showcased both environmental protection ideals and ingenuity, adding a rich cultural atmosphere to the event.
In closing, he wished everyone a “Peaceful Dragon Boat Festival,” and hopes that more young people will participate in traditional cultural activities in the future, working together to inherit and promote China’s outstanding traditional culture.