HARMONY UNDER ONE ROOF: THE GOH FAMILY CELEBRATE DIVERSITY IN FESTIVALS

KUANTAN, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- "Like water that is chopped, it does not break," this Malay proverb perfectly describes the harmony of the family of Goh Hui Lang, 95, who has children of different religions but who still live under one roof.

The two-storey terrace house in Indera Mahkota here is the focal point for the large family each time Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha and Christmas come around, with family members comprising children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathering.

Goh, born in 1931, is of Peranakan-Orang Asli descent and was once married to the late Boon Kuang Seng @ Hashim Kecut, who served in the police force as a Special Constabulary (SC). 

Describing the festive celebration of the Chinese New Year, the mother of 10 children and grandmother of 28 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren, expressed her happiness every time her large family gather to enjoy the tradition of the 'grand feast' at her residence.

"Although it's the celebration of the Chinese New Year, my favourite foods are Ikan Singgang, budu and belacan," she told reporters at her residence yesterday.

At the same time, her daughter Nur Laila Qarina Boon Hashim, 52, said although the family has members of various religions and backgrounds, their family bond remains strong.

"I am proud because our family is diverse in religion and ethnicity. The nieces and nephews also have different cultures, but when we gather, it's really lively. The neighbours also join in,” she said.

She said that the tradition of having a grand feast during the Chinese New Year has never been abandoned, including giving angpow packets to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Among the dishes always served are nasi minyak, ayam masak merah, acar jelata, laksa lemak and kuih bakul, as well as traditional dishes like rendang and nasi dagang that the family have requested,” she said.

Touching on the differences in religion among her children, Goh said she accepted their choices with an open heart and advised her children and grandchildren to always exercise patience in maintaining family ties.

“We cannot force (them). It’s their individual choices, as long as they live happily, that’s enough.  Life is one of patience, with children you must be patient, with your husband you must also be patient," she said.

Meanwhile, Nur Laila Qarina said she now lives with her sister, Bon Niau Ying, 64, so that she can help care for their mother after she suffered a stroke.

"I came back, with my youngest child, to stay here for the past two and a half years. My main purpose is to help my sister take care of our mother because she has to go out to earn a living," she said.

She also said Bon worked alone, collecting boxes and scrap metal to sell to cover the family's daily expenses, including their nephew and nieces.

"She (Bon) goes looking for boxes, looking for metal, and then sells them. With the money she earns, she can buy groceries. I help with cooking and managing the house. We share the responsibilities," she added, holding back tears.

-- BERNAMA