Today, we celebrate Chinese New Year, as the community ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake.
Among famous individuals born in the Year of the Snake are leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule, Mahatma Gandhi; British author J.K. Rowling; China’s president Xi Jinping; and American pop star Taylor Swift.
We asked Malaysians their hopes and wishes for the coming year. From less corruption to doing better in their studies, these were among some of their views. Here’s what they had to say:
Chin Chee Seong, Small Medium Enterprise (SME) Association of Malaysia president
“Personally, health is very important. As for my association and our members, we hope the cost of doing business for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will not escalate further. We hope the government can look at ways to reduce the cost of doing business and not introduce extraordinary taxes that will not favour Malaysian SMEs. We are already facing a lot of competition from foreign companies, and we do not want our competitiveness to drop.”
Hannah Kam, lawyer
“As the Chinese community celebrates the Lunar New Year, may the days ahead be filled with joy, prosperity, and goodness for all my fellow Malaysians. Let us unite and practise kindness towards each other so that we may live as one people, confident of our place in the sun. Happy Chinese New Year, Malaysia.”
Lee Choong Khay, SPOTV chief executive officer
“Less corruption, please. We have to start somewhere. I have seen first-hand a country that works when there is little corruption. Also, please do not impose more burdens on the people.”
Brandon Chan Jing Hei, primary school pupil
“My hope for the Year of the Snake is to be able to discipline myself to do better in my studies and triathlon training. As for the nation, I would like to participate in at least two beach cleaning activities to help clean up the coastal areas.”
Tammy Toh, communications practitioner
“Better healthcare for the rakyat, and I hope the insurance premiums and rising costs of private healthcare stabilise so as not to be a burden on the people.”
Datuk Lee Chong Wei, former national badminton player
“I wish for my family to remain happy and in good health. I hope the country’s economy continues to grow, and that our athletes bring even more glory to the nation, achieving better results than in previous years.”
Danny Chai, fitness instructor
“My hope for the Year of the Snake is to stay healthy and fit. As for the nation, I hope our economy continues to grow so that we have more business opportunities.”
Denise Chang, fitness instructor
“My wish for the Year of the Snake is to stay healthy, maintain a joyful mindset, and achieve success in my career. As for Malaysia, I hope for social stability, prosperity for all, and peace and harmony throughout the country.”
David Lim, Wise AI chief executive officer
“I wish nothing but good health, abundant joy, and countless blessings for family and friends. As Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year, here’s to a year of visionary leadership and remarkable achievements, particularly in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) for the future of Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Gong Xi Fa Cai!”
Christina Lim Pooi Li, self-employed
“I wish that my family and I have great health and happiness. I would also hope that our nation be prosperous and harmonious.”
Koey Jien Li, secondary school student
“My wish for the Year of the Snake is to see a few As when I collect my SPM results. I also hope that plenty of good-paying jobs will be available for all Malaysians.”
Here’s wishing all of you Gong Xi Fa Cai!!
