Adam married Sarah Mohd Yusof last December and he was excited to bring his wife back to his home town in Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu, to be with his family this festive weekend.

He said his parents were supportive of his decisions, and had allowed him the independence to make his own choices even when he decided to marry his Muslim wife.

“When I wanted to marry her, I called my mother and she just laughed. My dad on the other hand said, ‘up to you’. That’s all. There was no objection from them.”

But Adam initially was reluctant to bring his wife back with him for this Chinese New Year.

“Because she has yet to meet my parents.

“And when we got married, we only had a small reception at the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, where only her family attended,” said Adam, 44.

And although he had embraced Islam, Adam said the ties with his family was still strong.

“I am still their son, and they are still my parents. Whether they like it or not, they are my family. I just want my wife to meet my parents.”

Adam said that while his parents accepted his decision to convert, another family member did not.

“I hope this Chinese New Year I will get to speak to him again.”

Sarah, 35, told FMT she was excited to celebrate Chinese New Year in Kelantan, and has planned to serve Malay cuisine to her new family.

She said that would bring a new and a different element to her in-law’s celebration. At the same time, she hoped to learn more about the traditional Chinese cuisine.

When asked how his family normally celebrates the Chinese New Year, Adam said they were quite relaxed about it.

“Sometimes we wear bright coloured t-shirts like red and yellow.

“It’s just like Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. We would go visit our aunties and uncles, and we would give ‘Ang Pow’ to our nieces and nephews.”

Adam said he would continue performing his duties as a Muslim, around his family.

“I will pray in my room,” he said.