BY: CHRISTOPHER FERNANDEZ

It’s Chinese New Year. This is the festive season that kickstarts all other festive seasons for the diverse races and religions of Malaysia and therefore it is considered a curtain raiser to what is to come which is more merry making and enjoyment galore.

This is the time to let our hair down and think not of the problems and issues that beset us as Malaysians but to put on our party hats and join in watching a lion dance performance, eat and throw oranges and to just unwind because the hard tasks are ahead.

It’s timeout. Let’s lay down our work and worries and responsibilities for a change and really just chill to recharge our batteries although many households factor the cost because it can be a wee bit expensive to celebrate Chinese New Year.

But it’s just an annual affair and people should not feel guilty or ashamed to indulge. Neither should they be embarrassed to splurge a little as there is a broad possibility of recouping our expenses with the economy starting to pick up.

However, let’s not go overboard with our celebrations.  But let’s learn to give Ang Pows generously, toss yee sang as high as possible for longevity and light some fireworks to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.

And like what happens during all festive seasons, do not forget the poor, the disadvantaged and marginalized groups of society and therefore please spare a thought for them that there might be inclusivity in all our festive celebrations and no one is left out.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher