KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was presented a commemorative front cover as a token of appreciation from Sin Chew Daily for his unwavering stand in defending multi-culturalism and religious diversity in Malaysia.

Sultan Sharafuddin walked the talk by launching the state-level Chinese New Year celebration at Dong Zen Temple to deliver the message of inclusiveness and the importance of religious harmony.

The commemorative front page featuring the Sultan, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and other guests at the launch of state-level Chinese New Year celebration at Dong Zen Temple, was presented at the Chinese New Year reception hosted by Superaya Sdn Bhd cum Asia Herbal Biotech executive director Tan Sri Jason Goh and Puan Sri Pernille Goh at Concorde Hotel on Wednesday.

Sultan Sharafuddin, dressed in a bright red Chinese-style suit, and Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, were the guests of honour of the reception hosted on Chap Goh Meh, the last day of Chinese New Year.

Arranged by the host, MCIL (Malaysia) Group Editor-in-Chief Dato’ Kuik Cheng Kang presented the special edition of the front page to Sultan and Tengku Permaisuri as a gesture of appreciation.

This special cover of Sin Chew Daily was based on the frontpage of the newspaper on 9 February with the headline “Opposing guidelines restricting Muslims from attending non-Muslim celebrations, Selangor Sultan supports cultural diversity”.

Photographs of the royal visits to Dong Zen Temple in 2024 were also included in the custom-made frontpage, highlighting the commitment of Selangor royalties in defending cultural diversity, religious harmony and inclusiveness.

Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah visited Dong Zen Temple on 9 August last year, while the Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin visited on 27 October.

Kuik told the Sultan the entire Chinese community deeply appreciates the royal family’s unwavering stance in safeguarding cultural and religious diversity, and racial harmony in Malaysia.

Kuik also quoted Venerable Jue Cheng, Chief Abbess of Dong Zen Temple cum head of Fo Guang Shan temples in Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Thailand.

Ven Jue Cheng said: “It is not just Selangor but the whole nation is grateful for the Sultan’s visit to Dong Zen Temple. His Royal Highness stands with the people!”

Lion dance performance greeted the royal couple at the hotel as a gesture of welcome, followed by tossing of yee sang.

The organisers also invited Malay singers and bands to perform Chinese New Year songs, a reflection of diversity and harmony.

The royal couple took photographs of Chinese New Year decorations put up by the hotel and left after spending more than two hours for dinner.

Goh said he looked forward to people extending full support to the Unity Government to ensure political stability, which is crucial for boosting business activities and improving the country’s economy.

The Year of the Snake is a year of wisdom, growth and transformation, especially for those seeking knowledge, personal development and innovation, said Goh.

However, he cautioned that the energy of the snake could also lead to impulsive decisions, advising people to think carefully before taking action.

“Although there are many opportunities, while pursuing wealth, one must always remember to plan carefully, stay focused, and remain vigilant against potential challenges,” he said.

Among the distinguished guests were: Selangor Sultan’s younger brother Tengku Ahmad Shah, Selangor exco Ng Sze Han, Selangor exco V. Papparaidu, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain, South Klang District Police chief ACP Cha Hoong Fong, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Mak Joon Nien, Kuala Lumpur Inland Revenue Board director Dato’ Azhar Husin, executive deputy chairman of Sunway Group Tan Sri Razman Hashim, Selangor and Federal Territory Spastic Children Association board members Dato’ Michael Leow Kean Teck and Datuk Jerry Ching.

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