At CNY open house, politicians unite

Politicians from both sides of the divide seen at the Chinese New Year open house organised at the Negri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Darwish Zainal, February 9, 2016. It was an unusual sight to witness political leaders from the opposite spectrum hanging out together at a public function.

An open house function by Negri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall yesterday managed to achieve that by gathering leaders from both Barisan Nasional and the opposition to celebrate Chinese New Year in Seremban.

The function was attended by state MCA, Umno, DAP, PAS and PKR leaders.

State MCA Chairman Datuk Seri King Lim Chin Fui said different political views should not stop anyone from celebrating Chinese New Year together.

“Even though we may have different ideology politically, we want to celebrate CNY together and want our country to remain peaceful.

“Each time when we celebrate a festival, all the races including Malay, Chinese, Indians will celebrate together and this is proof we all love this country.

“We are maintaining this unity which goes back to our ancestor’s time and will maintain it for the future, for our children,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Chinese Assembly Hall chairman Tan Eng Beng in his speech said the state government should seize the opportunity to develop the tourism sector.

This was following an increasing trend of Chinese preferring to celebrate CNY outside of China.

“In Thailand, during Chinese New Year celebration, millions of tourists from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong will visit the country.

“When there is development in the tourism sector, other industries will follow including hotels, restaurants and other businesses.” Tan said.

He also urged the state government to control the influx of foreigners as it could affect job opportunities for the locals and youths. – February 9, 2016.