MUSLIM CONVERTS KEEP FAMILY TRADITIONS ALIVE DURING CHINESE NEW YEAR

TUMPAT, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- For Muslim converts in Kelantan, Chinese New Year is more than a celebration, it is a time to reconnect with loved ones, share stories, and tend to their elderly parents with love.

Asmawee Wee Abdullah, 62, who embraced Islam 20 years ago, said he always made it a point to celebrate Chinese New Year at his parents’ home near Kampung Kebakat, joining siblings of different faiths in the festivities.

“I’ve never lost touch with my family, and I make sure to visit my parents regularly as they get older.

“Even though I have converted to Islam, my relationship with my siblings remains very close. Our religions may be different, but blood is the same,” he said when met by Bernama at her family home today.

The worker at a coffee company in the state said that his father, 86-year-old Wee Po Ting, and his mother, 85-year-old Gan Mek Tee were growing older and required the support and care of their family.

Asmawee Wee said that family traditions were still cherished, from giving ‘ang pao’ to parents and children to preparing festive delicacies like kuih bakul, which created a joyful atmosphere at home.

“What makes the celebration in Kelantan special is the mix of traditional Chinese dishes with local favourites like nasi kerabu, nasi dagang and budu, which everyone in the family loves,” he said.

Meanwhile, Roslieza Rosli, 38, said this was her first Chinese New Year celebration that felt genuinely meaningful.

She said her in-laws had welcomed her warmly, and the experience reflected the strong value of family love in the Chinese community.

“It is the first time I am celebrating Chinese New Year with my in-laws. They welcomed me so well, and I could really see how close and harmonious the family is, even with our different religions,” she said.

Asmawee Wee’s younger brother, Wee Hock Tiong, 61, said that despite their different religions, it never stopped the family from celebrating together during festive times.

“Visiting one another during Chinese New Year and Aidilfitri has become part of our family tradition, reflecting the respect and closeness in the Chinese community in Kelantan,” he said.

He also said that halal dishes were specially ordered from Malay vendors so that Muslim guests could join in the celebrations and enjoy the meal without any worry.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association deputy president Dr Johari Yap said Chinese New Year was a cultural festival and that Muslim converts could join in the celebrations with their families, as long as no religious practices conflicting with Islam were involved.

-- BERNAMA