KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah graced a lunch gathering hosted by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) on Thursday (Dec 23) in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.
The Selangor Ruler’s arrival at the venue was warmly welcomed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
During the luncheon, Sultan Sharafuddin also participated in the tossing of "Yee Sang", one of the popular CNY dishes.
Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din were also in attendance.
Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, executive editor (international news service) Mohd Shukri Ishak and head of TV Norhamzeela Md Hambali.
In his opening remarks, Wong said Sultan Sharafuddin’s presence to grace the gathering was truly meaningful for Bernama as it was on the same date last year that the Ruler spent some time visiting the news agency’s headquarters here.
"The memory (of the visit) remains deep in our hearts. Our highest gratitude to Your Royal Highness for the visit to Wisma Bernama on Jan 23, 2024.
"We also cannot thank Your Royal Highness enough for the support and guidance given to Bernama in particular, and media practitioners in Malaysia in general over the years.
"Personally, I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to Tuanku for your continuous support and, more importantly, your guidance and advice to me,” said Wong.
Other guests at the gathering included senior editors from various media organisations.
They were entertained by traditional songs played on the "yangqin,” a traditional Chinese hammered dulcimer and the "erhu,” a two-stringed bowed instrument, both known for their expressive melodies.
Chinese New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake will be celebrated on Jan 29. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake, among other things, symbolises intelligence and wisdom. - Bernama
