Festive do draws diverse crowd
Multiracial harmony was on full display as people of different backgrounds celebrated Chinese New Year with elected representatives at Taman Kejiranan Jalan Gangsa in Gelugor, Penang.

The event was jointly organised by the service centres of Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan.

Among those spotted at the festive open house was K. Subramaniam, who said the turnout showed that the unity government had been a success at state and federal levels.

“It is a good effort and this tradition of including everyone in any festivity should continue,” said the 60-year-old pensioner.

Subramaniam sharing mandarin oranges with Narimah and Leong Mee Foong at the Chinese New Year open house in Gelugor.

Narimah Noor Mohd, 67, from Bukit Gelugor, said such open houses should be extended to other festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.

“This is a platform that can be used to strengthen relationships between races in this country,” said Narimah.

Besides a lion dance performance, Ramkarpal and Connie also had a yee sang toss session with guests on stage.

Other than a selection of food and drinks, guests were treated to entertainment featuring various cultural and modern performances.

Tan, in her speech, expressed gratitude to the residents for supporting and believing in her.

“I want to thank all of you, because without your support and guidance, I wouldn’t be here,” she said.

Also present were Penang Island City Council councillors Tan Soo Siang, Quah Boon Lim and Mohd Hafiz Abdul Aziz as well as Star Media Group Bhd senior news editor Alex Teng.
Multiracial harmony was on full display as people of different backgrounds celebrated Chinese New Year with elected representatives at Taman Kejiranan Jalan Gangsa in Gelugor, Penang.