AN energetic lion dance by Woo Ling Yee Jia troupe symbolising prosperity and good fortune set the tone for a Chinese New Year dinner attended by the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
Reverberating drums and prancing lions celebrated the arrival of the royal couple at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur for the festive evening hosted by businessman Tan Sri Jason Goh Teck Chai and wife Puan Sri Pernille Goh.
Among the 140 guests were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim, Tengku Laksamana Selangor Tengku Sulaiman Shah and Klang MP V. Ganabatirau.
Others include Selangor Islamic religious affairs and cultural innovation committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah and investment, trade and mobility committee chairman Ng Sze Han as well as Star Media Group group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and managing editor Brian Martin.
Also present were Area Real Estate Advisory Sdn Bhd director Datuk Stewart LaBrooy and Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanah Air chairman Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, better known as DJ Dave.
Guests were treated to an eight-course dinner and live music performance by Begema 5 Batak Band.
Sultan Sharafuddin also joined in the yee sang prosperity toss which is integral to the celebration in Malaysia, symbolising unity and blessings.
In his speech, Goh thanked Sultan Sharafuddin and other guests for gracing the dinner with their presence.
“As we step into the Year of the Horse, we are reminded that success requires momentum.
“Just like the horse, we must remain steadfast, courageous and adaptable in the face of change.
“May the new year bring us renewed energy, prosperity in our endeavours, good health and continued success,” Goh added.
