Royal presence: Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara (in pink) participating in the revelry of the Chinese New Year celebration at the Stadium Indera Mulia in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: Perak should embrace the spirit of self-improvement and wisdom as it moves forward in the Year of the Wood Snake, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar made this call at the state’s Chinese New Year celebration at the Stadium Indera Mulia, which was graced by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.
In his speech, Saarani said that the Year of the Wood Snake symbolised intelligence, strategic planning and growth.
He said based on Chinese philosophy, the snake represents wisdom in decision-making, with the ability to read the environment and to move forward with confidence, while the wood element embodies growth, harmony and balance.
“As we welcome the new year, let us embrace the call for self-improvement, unlocking our potential and strengthening our identity,” he said.
“While cherishing peace, we must also remain driven to work together in unison to build a progressive state.
“We must believe that the formula for a state’s and a nation’s progress is inseparable from the embrace of unity and harmony.
“Let us move forward together, united in realising the vision of Malaysia Madani and steadfast in achieving the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan.”
It is estimated that more than 17,000 people attended the celebration throughout the day, where they were treated to satay, apam balik, pau, dim sum, chicken rice, laksa, kuey teow soup and banana fritters.
Also present were Perak Raja Muda Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Di Hilir Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah and Saarani’s wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin.
Their Royal Highnesses participated in the tossing of “yee sang” with Saarani and state executive councillors and assemblymen.
Yee sang, or lou sang, is a well-known traditional dish of the Chinese community served as an appetiser and also as a symbolic gesture to wish for good health and wealth during the year.
Sultan Nazrin also presented ang pow packets for orphans, while the guests were entertained by the Selendang Perak dance troupe and performances by a Chinese orchestra and a wushu group.
