The year of the Dragon will be upon us in a few hours and all our Chinese friends and relatives are looking forward with eager anticipation to what the benevolent water Dragon will bring. The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese horoscope, signifying greatness, goodness and blessings. To the Chinese, Dragons represent intense celestial and terrestrial power, wisdom, and strength and are often seen as the symbol of divine protection and vigilance. The Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune, a protector of the innocent and a master of authority.
It is fortuitous that 2012 will also see the start of Sarawak’s jubilee year, the year in which the 13th General Election will be held. To the Christians, the Jubilee year is a significant and meaningful year. The Jubilee year, which is the year following the completion of seven cycles of seven years is promised as a year of great rejoicing, where there will be release, return and renewal. In the biblical context, the slaves would be set free, debts forgiven, and land restored to its original owners, and allowed to be renewed, ie left fallow for a year.
In the context of Sarawak’s current situation, I see our Jubilee year as one in which our people will be liberated from the suffering caused by the greed and selfishness of those to whom they have looked for protection. It will be a year in which the lands taken cruelly from our native folk by these same people and their cronies will be returned to their rightful owners. It will be a year in which there will be a renewal of hope, and restoration of social justice. It will be a time when man will be taught how to live responsibly, and God will bless man with prosperity and peace.
Let us all direct our energies this year towards realizing what has been promised to us by God. The strength and wisdom of the Dragon is on the side of the righteous and the innocent. Let us emulate these characteristics as we persevere in our struggle for the common good. The idea of a free and prosperous Sarawak is not a myth or an impossible dream; the goalpost is in sight and within reach. With concerted and consistent effort on our part, with guiding help from divine hands and with celestial forces breathing fire into our political battle, our dreams will finally become reality. What a tremendous year this Jubilee Year of the Dragon is going to be!
My family and I wish all our Chinese friends and supporters Gong Xi Fa Cai. May you enjoy Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity in abundance.
Baru Bian
State Assemblyman
N70 Ba’ Kelalan
Chairman
PKR Sarawak
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