GEORGE TOWN: Tens of thousands of Penangites thronged the Setia SPICE Arena here to attend Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's Chinese New Year open house.
Among the main guests were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Other guests including politicians and state leaders also turned up at the event to usher in the Year of Rabbit.
The open house held from 2pm until 4.30pm on Monday (Jan 23) was also attended by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and his wife who arrived at about 2.30pm, and were greeted by Anwar and Chow.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyudin, Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy and state executive council members.
Ahmad Fuzi and Anwar then joined Chow and the state leadership in tossing yee sang, a traditional Lunar New Year ritual which is believed to usher in good luck.
Guests, including tourists, were treated to a sumptuous spread of local fare like char kuey teow, mee goreng, satay, fried rice and fruits.
They were also entertained by a host of shows such as a high-stilt lion dance performance and dances.
