Chinese New Year festivity returns in full swing at Wisma MCA

PETALING JAYA: The Chinese New Year festivity returned in full swing at Wisma MCA here when a banquet was held to usher in the Year of the Tiger.

The gathering was seen as special this time as the open house event last year was called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was the guest-of-honour at the MCA’s Chinese New Year celebration, said the event was not only enjoyed by the Chinese community, but all races in Malaysia as well.

"This is a symbol of the unity among the various races in our country that goes with the spirit of the Malaysian Family (Keluarga Malaysia)," he told reporters after attending the event on Monday (Feb 1).

He urged Malaysians to continue forging closer ties among each other for the good of the nation.

Earlier, the Prime Minister, who wore a red shirt adorned with Chinese motifs, arrived at about 9.40am accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Muhaini Zainal Abidin.

The couple were welcomed by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and other senior party leaders.

Last year, MCA decided not to hold its annual open house celebrations in adherence to the Covid-19 SOP by the National Security Council to prevent Covid-19 clusters arising from large gatherings.

Interstate and district travel were also prohibited last year with visits limited to close family members within a 10km radius.

The government decided to ease SOP on family reunion dinners and travel this year after taking into account the high rate of vaccination in the country and those already boosted.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee said that MCA decided to hold a scaled-down and modest Chinese New Year reception instead of the usual open house celebration.

"Unlike the open house celebrations, this year’s celebration is only by invitation.

"We had to limit the number of guests to prevent the spread of the virus," he added.

Nevertheless, Dr Wee described this year’s gathering as meaningful.

"This year’s celebration is extraordinary.

"We will face a lot of challenges in the Year of the Tiger as the nation goes through its phase of recovery.

"The Year of the Tiger reminds us that we must champion the spirit of never giving up and be brave to face any obstacles in our way," Dr Wee added.

The reception in Wisma MCA was carried out in full compliance with the necessary standard operating procedures, including maintaining physical distancing, taking of temperatures and wearing of face masks.

Earlier, leaders and guests were treated to a lion dance performance at the entrance of the building.

They later participated in the yee-sang tossing ceremony before being feted to several sumptuous dishes such a yam-basket, lemon duck and rendang.

Apart from live song and dance performances, guests we also treated to a "Tiger" dance troupe performance to mark the start of the Year of the Tiger.

Among those attending the banquet gathering were Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, MIC vice-president and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahadzir Khalid.

Others included Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, former Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Parti Bangsa Malaysia president Larry Sng.