No stopping Muslim convert from celebrating CNY with family

Family ties: Ben and Ema Ariani (third and second from right) celebrating with his father Keat How and mother Loh Nget Sun (centre) and other family members in George Town. — Bernama

GEORGE TOWN: Being a Muslim did not stop independent preacher, Ben Ooi Chooi Beng, 38, from celebrating Chinese New Year with his family just like before he embraced Islam three years ago.

Ben, as he is fondly known, and his Indonesian wife Ema Ariani, 43, who were both former Christians, have never missed celebrating Chinese New Year with his family as it is a cultural and not a religious celebration.