The crowd enjoying a lion dance performance on stilts. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Open house of minister, MPS councillors attracts over 1,000 in Kepong
LOUD cheers of “heng!”, “ong!”, and “huat!” rang out at a Chinese New Year open house event organised by Damansara MP and Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s office, in collaboration with three Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillors.
The Damansara parliamentary constituency’s festive event was attended by over a thousand residents.
MPS councillor and the event’s main coordinator U Chin Ong said they did not expect such a large crowd at the open house held in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong, because the earlier Jade Emperor’s Birthday (Bai Tian Gong) celebrations had stretched late into the night.
“We are happy this event is well received by the public, and we hope to carry out more community events like this in the future,” he said.
Visitors were also given the opportunity to participate in a lucky draw that offered over 60 prizes.
Gobind (fourth from right) flanked by Lim on his right as well as U and Rajiv on his left at the open house event in Desa Aman Puri, Kepong.
“The cost of the event was about RM50,000, mainly sponsored by the Damansara MP’s office, with contributions from myself as well as two other MPS councillors – Cheong Heng Wai and Tam Kar Lye.
“We wanted people to take part and enjoy the festive atmosphere, regardless of race or religion,” said U.
Some 1,600 mandarin oranges and 500 ang pow packets were distributed by Gobind and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Pua Pei Ling, with priority given to those 60 and above, children under 12 as well as the differently-abled.
Chong Kin Chon, 60, was delighted to receive the festive goodies.
“I am very grateful to the MP for this kind gesture,” said Chong.
Guests were also treated to a lion dance performance that marked the end of the open house.
Also present were Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon, Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
