Hosting Of Open Houses Proves Government's Recognition For CNY Celebration

photo: MOTAC facebook

TAIPING, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The hosting of the Malaysian Chinese New Year 2014 Open House shows the recognition of the federal government for the festival which has become a major event at the national level each year, said MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said the celebration was most meaningful to the whole Chinese community in this country. "In Malaysia, we celebrate it every year in a jovial and cordial atmosphere not only among the Chinese but also the other communities who also joined in the celebration by visiting each other at the open houses," he said at the Malaysian Chinese New Year Open House at the Larut Matang and Selama District and Land Office Square, here tonight.

Also present at the event were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli.

He said the 1Malaysia spirit which was flourishing and blossoming would facilitate the country in achieving the developed nation status by the year 2020.

Meanwhile, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the celebration not only represented an event to greet the Chinese New Year but could also promote the tourism industry particularly in Perak which had the potentials to draw tourists to the country.

"Tourists from the west are always excited to see the celebration in this country besides visiting the scenic locations and doing their shopping," he said.

Meanwhile, the town of Taiping, which is known as the Heritage Town, tonight received thousands of visitors from all walks of life who celebrated the Chinese New Year 2014 Malaysia Open House celebrations.

The festivities which began in the afternoon reached its climax at night with the colourful presentations of cultural shows depicting the plural society true to the slogan of 'Malaysia Truly Asia'.

Present at the celebrations were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who were accompanied by Mohamed Nazri, Liow, Dr Zambry, as well as various community leaders.

The programme organised by the Tourism and Culture Ministry and the Perak state government in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was aimed at fostering better ties between the leaders and people, highlighting Chinese New Year traditions and as tourist attractions while promoting unity and understanding among the different races.

Also present were participants of the MegaFam from 14 countries - United States of America, Mexico, Italy, Germany, UAE, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Bangladesh, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

Besides the colourful lights and decorations, the event also included a lion dance by the Johor World Champion Lion Dance team and performances by local artistes like Jaclyn Victor and Jamal Abdillah, as well as a Chingay procession.
-bernama.