KOTA KINABALU: The State-level Chinese New Year celebration entertained over 20,000 people with performances including the Chinese mask-changing dance, diabolo, orchestra music, and lion dance on Thursday (Jan 30).
Local artistes also performed songs, with guests applauding high-noted pieces like 'Never Enough' during the event, held from 10am to 2pm at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
The celebration, organised by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Musa Aman and attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, among other dignitaries.
Also present were Musa’s wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, Hajiji's wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag, state cabinet ministers, and ambassadors.
Musa greeted some elderly attendees and distributed angpows, while all guests participated in the 'lao sang' ceremony.
A symbolic presentation of Chinese New Year greeting scrolls from the God of Fortune was made to the main table attendees.
The hall was vibrant with attendees in traditional and modern costumes featuring ethnic motifs that matched the day's theme.
Children attending the open house on the lower floor of the SICC also received red packets or angpow.
According to Liew, approximately 25,000 people attended the Chinese New Year celebration.
