KUALA LUMPUR: This year’s Chinese New Year open house festivities were still celebrated in high spirits despite fewer people attending, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.
“The festivities are still joyous, although the number of people celebrating this year are fewer.
“Maybe it’s because of the long holidays and people are also taking the opportunity of the long school break to go outstation.
“People can get a four-day holiday if they go back on Friday night,” he told reporters after attending the MCA and Gerakan open house here Monday.
Najib said the Chinese New Year festivity was where people of various races met together as part of the Malaysian tradition.
Among the dignitaries who also attended the MCA open house at Wisma MCA here were Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, former president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and his wife Wendy Ong, and MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.
Archbishop of Catholic Church Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam said he wished for Malaysians to have the strength to endure the economic crisis.
“I wish for peace in their hearts and prosperity for everyone regardless of race or religion,” he added.
Enrique Diego, who is attached to the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, expressed his enjoyment of the traditional cultural performances.
“When it comes to celebrations here in Malaysia, I really think that the country has an extensive melting pot of diverse cultures,” he added.
Michael Chen, who came with his three year-old grand daughter, said he never misses the MCA open house every year.
“But this is the first year that my grand-daughter is coming with me. She is very excited,” he added.
edited from The Star 26 Jan 09
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