NUMEROUS attendees were enthralled by a diverse showcase featuring captivating multicultural dance performances, a mesmerising balancing act, a vibrant lion dance, enchanting melodies from a Chinese traditional orchestra, and a variety of other musical acts at the Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) annual Chinese New Year open house in George Town today.
They gathered at the open house, which started around 9.30am.
The honorable guests, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, brought merriment to the open house.
PCTH chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Tan Khoon Hai said a harmonious relationship, regardless of race or religion, could be forged through the open house.
“We have organised the annual Chinese New Year open house for more than a decade.
“Apart from promoting the traditional Chinese celebration, our main objective is to see unity among the people in Penang.
“This is because we believe through such effort, it can build a multicultural society that is more understanding,” Tan said in his speech during the open house today.
In view of the Year of the Dragon, which symbolises prosperity, Tan also hopes that the country will continue to flourish in terms of economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Chow commended PCTH’s effort in organising the Chinese New Year open house yearly.
“The open house by PCTH allows everyone to learn more about Chinese culture.
“This shows a great spirit of togetherness and a closer relationship between all races. We need to remember that only with a unified heart, the state can be built prosperously.
“On behalf of the Penang government, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year.
“May the Year of the Dragon open a new chapter for all Penangites to move forward and be more successful in their life,” said Chow in his speech.
Chow also commended PCTH for over the years, playing an important role in politics, economy, culture, and education in the state.
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of PCTH who often cooperate with the state government to organise various activities and programs that are beneficial to the people of Penang.
“Thus, I hope the close cooperation between the Penang government and the Penang Chinese Town Hall will continue after this to bring the state to greater heights.
“I am also confident and believe that the strategic partnership between the state government and PCTH will be able to realise the Penang2030 vision more quickly and efficiently,” he said.
Also present during the PCTH open house were Chinese consul-general in Penang Zhou Youbin, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis