Taufiq said Macma has planned a programme in Kota Kinabalu that merges the spirit of Chinese New Year and Ramadan on Feb 28. Beyond cultural unity, Taufiq pointed out the economic significance of the overlapping festive season with strong consumer spending. The National Unity Advisory Council member said the communities celebrating the lunar new year and welcoming Ramadan both share core values of kinship, empathy, self-discipline and social solidarity. “Structurally, this strengthens social capital, particularly brid­ging social capital and networks that cross ethnic and religious boundaries,” he added. Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Datuk K. Sri Dham-maratana Nayake Maha Thera, said Malaysia is fortunate to be a multiracial and multireligious country, which he described as a source of strength for its people.

Source: The Star February 17, 2026 00:45 UTC