Khairy surprises with Mandarin CNY message

PETALING JAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (pic) showed off his Mandarin-speaking prowess in a Chinese New Year video message as he wished the Chinese community a new year and also took the opportunity to urge the public to exercise more.

"In the brand new year, I hope that everyone will exercise more,

"I wish everyone good health and a Happy Chinese New Year," said Khairy in Mandarin during the one-and-a-half minute video which was posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

In the video Khairy is seen delivering his message in Mandarin and later in Bahasa Malaysia while wearing a red changshan (traditional Chinese shirt).

Native speaker, Lim Wei Jian, 24 said that he was surprised to hear Khairy speaking in Mandarin and that it was not difficult to make out what Khairy was saying.

Khairy said that despite the various challenges that Malaysians face today, this year's Chinese New Year festive spirit could be felt all around the country.

"The diversity and the prosperity (of the people of Malaysia) which cuts across various backgrounds and religions is something we have experienced all this while and must be defended and strengthened," he said.

Khairy said that besides handing out ang pows and visiting relatives, it was important to plant the family spirit in order to make the festival more meaningful.

Selamat Tahun Baharu Cina daripada saya kepada seluruh masyarakat Tionghua sempena perayaan yang cukup bermakna ini. ... Posted by Khairy Jamaluddin on Thursday, 4 February 2016