Celebrating Chinese New Year in Kelantan
Owi Siew Yik smiled cheerfully as she greeted friends and relatives to her family home in Machang, Kelantan today.
As is customary for most Malaysian households during the festive season, Siew Yik, 20, and her family were holding an open house in conjunction with the first day of the Chinese New Year...
Owi Siew Yik smiled cheerfully as she greeted friends and relatives to her family home in Machang, Kelantan today.
As is customary for most Malaysian households during the festive season, Siew Yik, 20, and her family were holding an open house in conjunction with the first day of the Chinese New Year.
But aside from the Chinese delicacies, Siew Yik's 64-year-old father, Owi Bee Chean, had also laid out a spread of Malay dishes for their guests.
It's a normal part of life for the Chinese community in Kelantan, who have assimilated into the local Malay community, and are deeply knowledgeable of the Malay-Muslim customs.
Many like Siew Yik, who is the youngest of five children, also speak Malay in the local Kelantanese dialect.
"I've been friends with Malays since primary school, and I still have many Malay friends now.
"So when we do a Chinese New Year open house, I always invite them over to make the occasion more festive," the STPM leaver said.
Likewise, Siew Yik said her family often goes to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their friends and colleagues.
"I am really happy to be a Kelantanese. I hope unity among the races in Malaysia will grow stronger," she said.
It's a sentiment shared by her former Form Six classmates such as Ahmad Izzat Izanee.
"We've been friends since Form Four. Since then we always visit each other especially during festive seasons like today," Ahmad Izzat said.
The Owi family is one of more than 80 Chinese households in Kampung Cina Chekok Mengkudu.
One of the residents, Koh Boo Jim, has lived in the village for more than 50 years.
"We live in harmony, regardless of race, religion, or political beliefs," the 77-year-old said.
Like the Owis, Koh's Chinese New Year open house is a modest one, but filled with the cheer of visiting friends and family.
"This is how villagers celebrate the new year. Every year our children and grandchildren will come to celebrate together," he said.
Slaves and serfs to the tuan. Stupid is as stupid does. Cowed and forever bow to the tuans. No dignity and self pride.
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