Riding smoothly into the new year

Anwar (centre) flanked by Dr Wee (to his left) and Ahmad Zahid during the ‘yee sang’ ceremony at MCA’s Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: FAIHAN GHANI and IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

MCA CNY open house a meeting of stalwarts, friends and well-wishers

The fiery Year of the Horse came galloping in style at the MCA Chinese New Year open house in Kuala Lumpur.

Hundreds of guests from various races thronged the event, transforming Wisma MCA into a vibrant sea of red and gold.

A bright, loud welcome with an energetic lion dance performance at Wisma MCA for the Chinese New Year celebration.

Guest of honour Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former prime minister

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob were in attendance.

Dr Mah (second from left) posing for a photograph with guests.

Present were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan and former MCA deputy presidents and former ministers Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek and Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.

Other guests included MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin, Tomei Group managing director Datuk Ng Yih Pyng and dignitaries from various countries.

Khairy (left) taking a photo with Chong (right) as they mingled among guests at the event welcoming the Year of the Horse.

The celebration was filled with colour and energy, with the rhythmic beat of drums accompanying lively lion dance performances that drew applause from the crowd.

Families and friends exchanged greetings, posed for photographs and enjoyed festive delicacies served throughout the event.

Kong Choy (right), wife Puan Sri Ann Chan and their granddaughter Ruiya Harkness, seven, sending Chinese New Year greetings alongside Lim (left) and wife Puan Sri Lee Puay Choo.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he was pleased to see Malaysians from different backgrounds attending the celebration.

He described it as a reflection of the uniqueness of the country’s multiracial society, adding that the open house continued to bring people together in the spirit of the festive season.

The open house (above and bottom) drew hundreds of guests from various races and also from outside Malaysia.

The gathering reflected the enduring appeal of the open house tradition, bringing together people from all walks of life in a shared celebration of culture and fellowship.