Story by Tanushalini Moroter & Victor Seow
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
THE Year of the Dog was given a thunderous welcome as Malaysians, regardless of race and religion, picked up that positive vibe of prosperity, good luck and longevity and celebrated the day in unity.
Who would resist being a part of this vibrant festival, moreover we Penangites, or more fondly called “Penang Lang”, have always been a unique set of people who celebrate the good in whatever we see as well as cherish the multicultural flavour in our society.
On the first day of CNY (Feb 16), the SPICE Arena was filled to the brim as an estimated 30,000 people turned up at the open house of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Apart from the usual mouthwatering dishes that gave Penang its reputation as a food haven, the crowd was further entertained by the “quick change of attire” performance by husband and wife team Avery Chin and Sylvia Lim who made their entries in the Guinness Book of Records last year as well as Lee Pei Ling, who gained public attention through her participation in the “Sing! China” finale.
Lim’s wife Betty Chew was also seen giving ang pow to children who were at the open house while the chief minister himself obliged members of the public who were eager to take a “wefie” with him.
Among the guests present included the Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, DAP Parliamentary Leader Lim Kit Siang, exco members Phee Boon Poh, Chong Eng, Danny Law, Dr Afif Bahardin, assemblymembers Teh Lai Heng, RSN Rayer and Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh.
On the second day (Feb 17), Abdul Rahman and Majimor, Lim, Rashid, state exco members, assemblymembers and parliamentarians attended the Chinese New Year Open House at the Penang Chinese Town Hall.
Lim in his speech at the event said the state government will take efforts to ensure that the benefits of economic growth will be enjoyed by the common man.
“The state government will continue to develop Penang adhering to five core values.
“Building human capital, building basic infrastructures, promoting a cleaner, greener, healthier and safer city, good and clean administration and lastly working towards a sustainable development to ensure the fruit of economic growth is enjoyed by everyone,” Lim said at the event organised by the Penang Chinese Town Hall.
Lim also stated that despite the strong economic growth, ordinary people do not have enough money to spend.
“Though the economic growth is good, common people do not get to enjoy its benefit.
“Just like what the managing director of Mydin Hypermarket said ‘Malaysians are poorer despite strong gross domestic growth and they do not have enough money to spend’.
“Hence it is important for us to focus on common people in relation to the benefits from economic growth,” added Lim.
The celebration continued with high spirit on Feb 18 at the State Chinese New Year Open House on Beach Street which gave Penangites an enthralling night.
From the singing performance by Lee Pei Ling, to the traditional drum and dance performances and the finale of colourful fireworks, the people had their fair share of fun and enjoyment.
Lim, who spoke at the event, assured everyone that no effort would be spared by his administration to ensure the state leads in terms of economic performance and growth.
The guests of honour at the event were the governor and his wife.