"The coming Chinese New Year should be celebrated with much gratitude and fully utilised to strengthen the unity among all levels of society who have always live in peace with one another, respecting and tolerating each other in a multi-racial country like Malaysia," said Professor Dato’ Omar Osman, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Omar and his wife, Datin Noraizan Jamaludin wish Happy Chinese New Year to all USM staff, the alumni, relatives and friends wherever they are.

"We are very fortunate to be able to celebrate the various festivities and cultural diversity in Malaysia, by carrying on with the tradition of visiting each other during this festival to strengthen greater interaction and understanding among the people of different races," said Omar.

Given the long festive holidays, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students and campus community to take this opportunity to visit one another and be extra careful while driving on the road during this festive season.

"Since there is going to be an increase in vehicles on the road, motorists must take extra precaution when driving, abide strictly to the highway codes and speed limit, and don’t do anything irresponsible or inconsiderate that may cause an accident; please be more careful and patient while on the road," reminded Omar.

According to Omar, Chinese New Year should be used as a platform for us to further strengthen the existing understanding and close relationship in the true spirit of unity for the sake of preserving the  prosperity, peace and sovereignty of the country.

"And this is all the more true in the university community context, where we are supposed to use knowledge as the main thrust to promote greater unity and cross-cultural understanding," said Omar again.

HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR.