On behalf of my party, SPDP, I wish to thank you for your support of the BN Government and SPDP. This has enabled the smooth implementation of projects that are beneficial to the people. Because of this, the people have prospered.

If I have not performed in my political duty to the expectations of the Rakyat, I sincerely apologise, and may your guidance help me to do better this year.

For functions that I was invited to, I sincerely apologise also when I failed to attend them, especially in the past few months when I was sucked into certain alleged scandals. I apologise for my absence, but, I hope with your help, I can serve better this year. I hope also to have more time with you. At such time, I shall open my ears and heart to you.

Malaysia is a multi-cultural, racial and religious country. In the celebration of the Chinese New Year, it no longer is a joy of the Chinese only; it is a shared celebration of the people of all races.

I call on all Chinese to open their hearts and doors to the others, so that our celebration will be a testimony of our Malaysian harmony.

Be reminded that the seed of our national unity does not come by accidentally. It comes from the determination and hard work of our national leaders together with our forefathers. This is something which we have treasured and nurtured for 52 years.

I am sad that in the mist of this unity and peace, there was a small fraction of people who tried to disturb our peace by fanning the sentiments of others for their personal gain. Fortunately, our faith and confidence have kept us together.

Therefore, I see a need to safeguard our living and our goodwill, so that we can move on in this pride.

In our exchange of greetings, we must do so with an open heart and forgive and forget the unhappy incidents. If there is anything that we are unsatisfied with, talk it out for a solution, so that we can live on with our prosperity, an end result that we have worked on for 52 years.

Among the signs of the Chinese horoscope, the characters of tiger represent that of courage, braveness and the readiness to charge forward in challenges. This has made our nation strong.

For outstation workers returning home, drive carefully. It is a rainy season in Sarawak, and the conditions of Pan Borneo trunk road might not be perfectly safe. I hope before they begin their journey, they will check their cars for mechanical faults. Be on the alert on the road. Remember, our loved ones are waiting for us at home. Have a rest when you are tired. Do not drink and drive.

In the spirit of festive sharing, Senator Pau Chiong Ung and I shall have an open house on Feb 21 at Bintulu Civic Centre, beginning at 8 a.m. Let us have fruitful time together. 

Once again, I wish you luck and prosperity in this Year of the Tiger.