The year begins with a bang
Malaysians nationwide attend festive events hosted by political parties
In the true spirit of unity, Malaysians joined in the Chinese New Year celebrations, attending open houses offering lion dances, live traditional Chinese music and plenty of food and drinks. Even the Chinese tourist were amazed by the joyful get-togethers. Those who not at the parties had a great time thronging tourist spots around the country.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians throughout the country came together united in a joyful Chinese New Year celebration.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor attended the festive celebrations organised by MCA at Wisma MCA and by Gerakan at Menara PGRM here.
Present at both functions were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Gerakan President Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas as well as other Cabinet ministers.
In Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Alamarhum Sultan Iskandar and Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah graced the residence of State Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong in Johor Baru.
In Kelantan, celebrations were also lively despite there being only about 34,000 Chinese in the state.
According to state MCA chief Datuk Seri Dr Hou Kok Chung, the celebration was made special as it was celebrated with other communities – as one big family.
In Terengganu, more than 1,000 people from the Chinese community attended an open house organised by the state MCA in Kampung Cina, Kuala Terengganu. It was attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman.
In Perak, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir attended the open house hosted by former Lumut Member of Parliament Tan Sri Kong Cho Ha in Sitiawan.
In Penang, about 5,000 people attended an open house organised by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the Subterranean Penang International Convention Centre in Bayan Baru, George Town.
Also present was the Yang diPertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.
In Sarawak, more than 1,000 people from various communities, including Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, attended the SUPP open house at Jalan Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui in Kuching.
In Sabah, Yang diPertua Negri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman visited the open houses organised by Sabah Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation president Tan Sri Andrew Liew, PBS, Sandakan Barisan Nasional and PBS deputy president Datuk Thien Fui Yun.
In Negri Sembilan, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan joined about 5,000 others at the statelevel celebration held at the Seremban Municipal Council Hall.
He was greeted by state MCA chief Datuk Seri Lim Chin Fui, MCA Youth chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon and other leaders.
In Melaka, revellers took part in the second day of the Lunar New Year by giving away gifts and red packets.
Tanjung Bidara Lion’s Club secretary Willis Tang Li Chinn shared the joy of the festive season by distributing Tshirts, caps and food at Jalan Hang Tuah.
At Bayou Lagoon Park Resort in Bukit Katil, the resort’s managing director Datuk Marco Seow and his father Datuk Seow Chor Thoy distributed RM8,800 worth of ang pow to the guests.