Soaring high: Guests watching a lion dance on stilts performance at the MCA Chinese New Year open house at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Year of the Dragon is set to bring economic prosperity to the country, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He prayed for political stability and for more people-centric programmes to be introduced.
“Even though we are facing global uncertainties, we can overcome all the challenges together.
“The Year of the Dragon symbolises more luck and sustenance, which is a good indicator of our economic development,” he told reporters at the MCA Chinese New Year open house held at the party headquarters here on Saturday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was the special guest at the occasion, exchanged warm greetings with many in the crowd.
“Thank you to Dr Wee, Gong Xi Fa Cai and I pray for the best for everyone,” he said.
After arriving at about 10am, Anwar joined Dr Wee in a yee sang tossing event alongside other party leaders and Cabinet ministers.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan were also present.
The event was a manifestation of Malaysia’s unity in diversity with people of various races converging.
M. Tamil Selvan, 54, said he brought two of his sons to the event to let them experience the “true Malaysian spirit.”
“This is how a multiracial nation exists. I brought my children here to experience and be proud of it,” he said.
Civil servant Alif Mustapha, 36, also brought his family to the annual event held at the MCA headquarters here.
“In previous years, I came alone but this time around I wanted to share the experience with my family.
“When we saw Malaysians of various races and even foreign tourists here, we truly felt the harmony in our beloved nation.”
