Different races attend Xmas open house

MELAKA: Malaysians, including foreign tourists, joined in the national-level 2017 Christmas open house at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial Building at Bandar Hilir here.

Fireworks lit up the sky as Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched the event that showcased the Malaysian-style of celebrating Christmas, where many people of different races joined in the festivities.

Apart from colourful performances, various kinds of traditional food and drinks were served, such as asam pedas, coconut shake and kuih keria, among others.

The crowd was serenaded with songs by Alleycats’ Datuk David Arumugan, Dasha Logan, Hael Husaini and Dewi Liana.

Also present was state Public Affairs, Human Resources and NGO Affairs Committee chairman Datuk M.S. Mahadevan, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.

In his speech, Dr Ahmad Zahid called on Malaysians to continue maintaining religious harmony in the country and respecting each other’s traditions.

He also spoke of the US government’s unilateral decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

He said US President Donald Trump’s decision has denied the rights of the world’s Christians and Muslims.

Melaka had hosted the national-level Christmas open house in 2015 at the same location at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial Building in Bandar Hilir.

-thestar online.