Bright red lanterns adorned the mall for the event that was held in conjunction with Malaysia Day. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
TAKING advantage of Malaysia Day coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration, a host of cultural and modern dance performances were hosted by the Subang MCA division to foster the spirit of community in Puchong, Selangor.
Large, bright red lanterns adorned SetiaWalk Mall while Puchong schools put up performances to boost the evening’s atmosphere.
(From fifth left) Dr Mah, Chiew, Pun and Wong waving the Jalur Gemilang against a backdrop of lanterns.
These included an orchestra playing classical Chinese music and a drum showcase by five students.
SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya B student Chan Yu Rou was proud to represent her school.
“I have performed in primary school but this is my first time performing for a public event,” said the 15-year-old, who is part of the drum troupe.
SetiaWalk apartment resident Manish Porwal said he received an invitation through the apartment’s management.
“I was excited about the event and decided to bring my whole family along.
“It was a nice introduction to this part of Chinese culture,” said the 32-year-old as his toddler daughter danced to the music.
SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya B students during their 24 Season drums performance at the mall.
Also seen having a good time at the celebration was 58-year-old TL Ong.
“The atmosphere is lively and seeing the children running around freely while enjoying the performances is definitely a sight to behold,” said the Puchong resident.
MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon found the event mesmerising.
“This is a significant event for the Chinese community. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that signifies the spirit of togetherness with family and friends,” he said.
“As it is also held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, this event is a mark of the nation’s togetherness.”
Dr Mah, who is also Deputy Education Minister, hoped the local community would give its support to the Subang MCA division to continue organising similar functions.
Subang MCA chairman Lawrence Chiew said the purpose of the event was to introduce the Mid-Autumn Festival to non-Chinese communities.
“Since the event is also held in conjunction with Malaysia Day, it is an occasion to mark the unity we share with one another.
“Malaysians should cherish the land that we all live in and be grateful because the country’s geographical location is far from natural disasters,” he added.
Chiew said singer Anis Aneesa was invited to sing two Mandarin songs at the event.
Also present at the event were Subang MCA Wanita chief Pun Mei Lim, Subang MCA adviser Datuk Seri Wong Hock Aun, Subang MCA vice-chairmen Lee Chee Leong and Low Nyuk Kun, as well as Port Klang Free Zone chairman Datuk Lawrence Low and Subang MCA parliamentary coordinator Dr Kow Cheong Wei.
