Collaborative efforts: Goh (fifth from left) receiving a commemorative gift from Sabin (fifth from right) at the meeting between the FCAS leadership and the Kota Kinabalu City Mayor.
KOTA KINABALU: With Chinese New Year around the corner, an array of events is set to ignite festivities in the city. The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) have joined forces to orchestrate an extraordinary Chinese New Year extravaganza at Dataran Deasoka, Gaya Street, here.
Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) president Tan Sri TC Goh, who is also FCAS president, said the first programme will be launched on Feb 3, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as the guest-of-honour.
“An array of exciting programmes and activities, including lion and dragon dance performances, entertainment shows, a fireworks display and Spring Festival decorations have been lined up to keep guests and the public entertained during the official launch of the street carnival,” he said.
“As for the Lido Chinese New Year Market, it will take place from Feb 4 to Feb 8 at Lido Square in Kota Kinabalu,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Goh said the market is expected to see some 100 stalls selling a wide range of Chinese New Year goods, handicrafts, decorative items and Chinese delicacies.
“Besides this, there will also be captivating cultural performances featuring talented local singers, dancers, and lion and dragon dance troupes,” he said.
He said this was agreed upon during the meeting held yesterday between the FCAS leadership and Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City, Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah.
Also in attendance during the meeting were FCAS deputy president Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen; its religious and customs affairs bureau chief, Ng Young Wah; vice-president cum youth chief, Chang Jeng Yung; secretary-general Datuk Yong Soo Pin and treasurer-general Chen Ee Sheng, among others.
Goh, who helms the Federation of Sabah and Labuan Hokkien Associations (FSLHA) as well, reiterated his confidence in Sabin’s leadership towards bringing Kota Kinabalu to greater heights.
Meanwhile, on behalf of DBKK, Sabin expressed gratitude to Goh and FCAS for their years of active cooperation and robust support in bridging the government and the people, as well as their collaboration in organising large-scale Chinese New Year events for the public’s enjoyment.
He especially acknowledged FCAS’ positive role in building a united and harmonious society, all these while.
Touching on the joint Chinese New Year Carnival programmes, the mayor said the City Hall will assign the “DBKK Choir” to participate and present Chinese New Year songs.
