OPEN houses play a crucial role in promoting unity, harmony, and fostering brotherly ties among residents.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised that celebrating various festivities is a means to build relationships and strengthen brotherly ties.
He conveyed this message during his attendance at the Chinese New Year open house organised by the Island Park Village Community Management Council (MPKK) at the Dewan MPKK Island Park near the Japanese Garden on Jalan Mas.
Attendees from the Seri Delima neighbourhood enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and were entertained by Chinese cultural performances.
“Penang’s robust grassroots movement involving non-governmental organisations and private sectors are ready to collaborate with the state and Federal Governments,” Chow added.
He stressed the importance of such collaborations for advancing Penang as a developed state in the near future.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, present at the event, affirmed her commitment to enhancing the Seri Delima neighbourhood.
She revealed plans for the ‘Greener Green Lane’ initiative, intending to plant staghorn ferns along Jalan Masjid Negeri.
Additionally, a ground golf team suitable for the elderly will be established in Seri Delima.
Tan said Japanese mayor Miyawaki Masamichi from Yurihama town, sponsored 30 golf clubs and 30 golf balls during his visit to Penang recently.
“Last month, mayor Miyawaki Masamichi from Yurihama town in Japan visited Penang to promote ground golf.
“I approached him and requested sponsorship for the necessary equipment, enabling us to establish our own ground golf team in the Japanese Garden,” Tan said.
Tan further shared that Seri Delima would be adorned with decorative lights for major festivals, including Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, and Christmas. The Japanese Garden, lit up at night, reflects ongoing efforts to improve the neighbourhood’s overall quality.
Also present were DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and other dignitaries.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siew Chia En