Remain united to ensure racial harmony remain strong - Joseph Kurup

He said unity and harmony should be preserved with a sense of responsibility as it is the yardstick of well-being and prosperity of the country's pluralistic society.

"Malaysia is a multireligious, multicultural and multiracial country which has become a source of reference and a model of a pluralistic society to the world.

"We should be proud of living in peace and prosperity compared with other countries which are saddled with unrest and riots," he said when opening the 30th Malaysian Chinese Cultural Festival at the Indera Mulia Stadium here last night.

He was representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

On the festival, Kurup said the event could enlighten non-Chinese on Chinese culture in an effort to promote racial understanding and harmony.

He also announced a RM300,000 allocation approved by the prime minister to the Perak Chinese Assembly Hall to finance the festival which included a torch run, a glutinous Dongzhi reception, a Chap Goh Meh (mooncake festival) and a Cheong Sam costume contest at eight locations in Perak.

About 3,000 people attended the festival last night which was arrayed with drum beats, a talk on Chinese literature and a lion dance competition.