OVER 10,000 ATTEND PENANG CHIEF MINISTER’S FESTIVE AND HARMONIOUS CNY OPEN HOUSE

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- More than 10,000 people from diverse ethnicities attended Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s Chinese New Year Open House at SPICE Arena, Bayan Baru, here today. 

Visitors from all over the state began arriving as early as 1 pm, an hour before it officially started, creating a festive and harmonious atmosphere.   

Foreign tourists were also seen joining in, eager to experience the vibrant celebration while enjoying the delicious array of Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes served. 

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Chow and his wife, Tan Lean Kee, took the time to personally greet guests and distribute mandarin oranges as a gesture of goodwill.

The event was graced by the presence of Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife, Toh Puan Khadijah Moha Nor.

Also present were state and federal leaders, including Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, state assembly members, and heads of state government departments.

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Guests were treated to the traditional highlight of the ‘Yee Sang’ tossing ceremony, lion dance, cultural dances, and musical performances.

After the event, Chow told reporters that the open house served as a platform to foster unity, bringing together people from various ethnic backgrounds and age groups in celebration.

“As in previous years, we catered food for 10,000 people, and it seems that everything was sufficient today. It was a happy event with the presence of people from all walks of life,” he said.

Meanwhile, those interviewed expressed their excitement at being able to celebrate Chinese New Year together, despite religious differences.

Friends Jason, 65, and Simon, 60, drove over from Kuala Lumpur just to attend the Chief Minister’s Chinese New Year open house.

Jason said the event reflected Malaysia’s spirit of unity, as people from mixed ethnicities gathered for the auspicious celebration. 

“We can see Malaysians from all backgrounds here today, lining up for food and sitting together to enjoy it. This is the unity we have always shared,” said the retired civil servant.

Former Balik Pulau MP Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya, who was also present, observed that unity among Malaysians appeared to be strengthening.

"I’m pleased to see people of all races—Malays, Chinese, and Indians—gathered at today’s open house. It truly reflects the spirit of harmony and unity among our people," he said.

-- BERNAMA