KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, and Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, graced the Chinese New Year Dinner organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) on Thursday (Feb 5).
The royal couple arrived at a leading hotel here and were greeted by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and his wife Datin Azrina Puteri Mohamed Mahyuddin, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
Also present were Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, deputy editor-in-chief (News Services) Mohd Shukri Ishak, acting deputy editor-in-chief (Economic News Service), Harlina Samson as well as the news agency's senior management team.
In his welcoming speech, Wong expressed his deepest gratitude for the attendance of the Selangor Sultan and Tengku Permaisuri at the event, describing their presence as highly significant and illuminating the atmosphere of the celebration.
He said Chinese New Year not only symbolises a new beginning, family values, and prosperity, but is also an important part of Malaysia's rich cultural diversity.
"In Malaysia, our strength lies in the diversity of celebrations, whether it's Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai or Kaamatan, which reminds us of the importance of mutual respect, understanding and unity as a nation," he said.
According to him, these celebrations also provide an opportunity for people to appreciate one another's traditions and strengthen the value of harmony, which is central to Malaysia.
Guided by that spirit, Wong hopes that the Year of the Horse, celebrated during this year's Chinese New Year, will bring vitality and continued success to everyone, in keeping with the symbol of courage, extraordinary energy, high aspirations, and perseverance.
Tonight's event also celebrated Fahmi's 45th birthday, which fell on Wednesday (Feb 4). – Bernama
