Kuala lumpur: The tradition of the reunion dinner in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebrations nationwide continues to be a symbol of racial unity in Malaysia. Today, the dining table not only celebrates ancestral heritage but also the diverse palates of its people.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this unique, long-practiced cultural tradition proves that differences in background and religion are no obstacle for families to keep traditions alive, subsequently strengthening the bonds of kinship in a harmonious and goodwill atmosphere.
In Kuala Lumpur, Nur Liyana Abdullah, 66, formerly known as Lee Kim Bee, expressed her gratitude that her family's reunion dinner does not just feature traditional Chinese dishes, but also incorporates elements of Malay and Indian cuisine. 'I wanted something a little different. My siblings are used to eating Chinese food every day, so they really enjoy Malay dishes because they rarely get them. Moreover, we grew up in a plantation village, so sambal petai is a firm favorite,' said Nur Liyana, who embraced Islam over 30 years ago.
Her elder sister arrived a day early at their family home to prepare traditional dishes such as n¡n ru cu zhai (vegetable stew) and ginger steamed chicken, while Nur Liyana took on the role of preparing cross-cultural dishes like sambal udang petai, chicken rendang, and Indian delicacies including wade and spiced chickpeas for the whole family to enjoy.
In Negeri Sembilan, although most Chinese eateries and restaurants were packed with patrons, many still chose to gather at home with family members for the reunion dinner to welcome the Year of the Horse. Private sector worker Jenny Tan, 38, said she and her family chose to prepare their own meals and eat at home with her two siblings. 'Last year we ate at a restaurant, but this time my mother and I agreed to cook together. This is important- besides strengthening family ties, we also hope the dishes we cook can bring back childhood nostalgia,' said Tan.
In Perak, local news agency photographer Alan Teh, 65, described the Chinese New Year Eve reunion dinner as a mandatory event that must be attended by immediate family members at his residence in Taman Timah, Ipoh. The father of two said the tradition is not just about enjoying a meal, but is a symbol of unity where all family members gather at one table to share stories and strengthen their bonds. 'My family is small, so we celebrate modestly. However, I make sure my two children return home for this event. Dishes like chicken, fish, and vegetables are mandatory menus that must be present to complete our reunion dinner every year,' he said.
In Kedah, Tan Siew Eng, 62, from Simpang Empat, Alor Setar, said this year's reunion dinner was extra meaningful with the return of his 12-month-old granddaughter, as well as his son and daughter-in-law who are currently residing in Sydney, Australia. 'Last year, my son and daughter-in-law celebrated Chinese New Year abroad, but this year they returned to celebrate with us,' he said.
A similar sentiment was felt in Terengganu, where the reunion dinner for Toh Ping Ping's family, 45, from Taman Sri Manir, Kuala Terengganu, was made more significant by the return of her brother, Toh Kai Wen, 50, from Australia. Ping Ping said that after living in Australia for nearly 25 years, her eldest brother finally decided to return and settle in Kuala Lumpur with his wife and two sons.
In Penang, the atmosphere at residences and restaurants around the city began to buzz with preparations for special dishes such as yee sang, chicken, roast duck, steamed fish, and various other traditional delicacies that symbolise prosperity and abundance. For Jennifer Ling, 32, an engineer at a factory in Batu Kawan, the reunion dinner is the most anticipated moment of the year as it brings the whole family together, including those returning from abroad.
In Sibu, driving academy manager Tiong Sie Kiong decided to make a change by holding the reunion dinner at a leading hotel in the town. 'Since I was born, our family's reunion dinners were held modestly but merrily at home. This year, coincidentally, a leading hotel in town offered me a special deal to hold the tradition there,' he said.
In Sabah, the Chinese New Year reunion dinner remains an essential tradition among the Chinese community as a symbol of family unity, gathering once a year before the festival begins. Sabah and Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce Deputy Secretary Weal Cheoh said the reunion dinner carries deep meaning as it brings together family members from various locations to enjoy a meal together.
In Perlis, although his parents have passed away, the spirit of family remains the pillar of Chinese New Year for Kang Terry, 45, from Pauh in Arau, as he gathered for a reunion dinner with his siblings. Kang, who lives with his elder sister, said even though his brother and two younger sisters work and live far from Perlis, they ensure they do not miss the annual gathering to continue the reunion dinner tradition.
In Melaka, the tradition of having the reunion dinner at home continues to be upheld by Kew Li Wen, 33, as a way to show gratitude for family relationships. Kew said her family prefers eating at home over restaurants as it is more comfortable and intimate, given that all family members help their mother cook various dishes.
In Pahang, the tradition of 'tuan yuan' or the reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year is a pivotal moment for Foo Pei Sun's family. The 38-year-old woman entrepreneur said one of the mandatory menus served during the reunion dinner is 'sang choi' (lettuce), which symbolises prosperity and abundance in the new year.
In Selangor, nearly 1,110 members of the Teochew community gathered to celebrate a reunion dinner that was not only festive but served as a platform to reunite the community and strengthen ties with society. National Teochew Association Vice President Datuk Seri Teh Meng Huat said the celebration is not just an annual event but a crucial moment to reinforce family bonds, appreciate elders, and sow new hopes.