Yang Arif, Tuan/Puan, Judicial Officers and Staff of the Sabah and Sarawak Courts and all members of the legal fraternity in Sabah and Sarawak

1.     As we welcome the Chinese New Year 2025 as a community, I would like to extend my well-wishes to all who are celebrating. May the year ahead bring you prosperity, good health and abundant success.

2.     During the Chinese New Year, we often see homes or shopping complexes decorated with “Lucky Bamboo”, which symbolises good fortune and resilience. Although the “Lucky Bamboo” plant is not actually bamboo in botanical terms, the bamboo tree itself holds deep symbolic meaning. Along with the pine and plum blossoms (meihua), bamboo is part of the “Three Friends of Winter”. Each of these three plants is revered for its ability to remain untethered in the bleak and cold winter.

3.     In Chinese culture, bamboo is a symbol of strength, resilience, and adaptability. Despite its delicate appearance, bamboo is renowned for its ability to endure strong winds and harsh environments, making it a powerful representation of perseverance and endurance. The hollow core of the bamboo also symbolises humility, as it remains empty inside, encouraging us to stay modest and open to personal growth. There is a Chinese saying related to bamboo that can be translated as: “The humble bamboo has leaves that bow.” This proverb highlights how a humble person is receptive to learning and growth, just as bamboo bends in the wind without breaking.

4.     As we begin this new year, may we, like the bamboo, embody strength, resilience and humility, and face challenges with flexibility and grace. While we enjoy our well-deserved reunion with our loved ones, may we encourage one another to grow in perseverance, both personally and professionally.

GONG XI FA CAI and may God bless you all.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR 2025

Thank you.