PENANGITES are invited to usher in the Lunar New Year at the Chief Minister’s Chinese New Year Open House, which will be held at the Setia SPICE Arena in Bayan Lepas on Feb 17 (Tuesday).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said this year’s open house is particularly special, as it will be held on the first day of the Chinese New Year, unlike previous years, when it took place on the second day.
“This adjustment was made as Muslims are expected to begin the month of Ramadan on the second day of the Chinese New Year.
“By holding it on the first day, we hope our Muslim friends will also be able to join us in celebrating this festive occasion,” he said during a press conference in Komtar today.
Organised by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the open house will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm, and promises a vibrant celebration steeped in culture, tradition and togetherness.
The event is expected to be graced by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort, Yang Mulia Toh Puan Raja Datuk Seri Utama Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
Chow said a wide range of engaging programmes, reflecting the richness of Chinese traditions, cultural heritage, and shared values, have been lined up for the occasion.
“These include traditional festive delicacies, representing our multi-ethnic society, as well as cultural performances, such as traditional song renditions, lion dances, the powerful 24 Festival Drums performance by SMJK Phor Tay, and many more,” he said.
Chow added that three youths from the special needs community will also deliver a special performance to further enliven the celebration.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Chief Minister senior confidential secretary Mohd Balkish Othman, Chief Minister confidential secretary Lai Hon Meng and Chief Minister political secretary Lau Keng Ee.
Chow added that the annual open house is more than a festive gathering.
“It is a symbol of unity and a reflection of the Penang government’s continued commitment to ensuring that all major celebrations in the state are shared collectively as one big family, fostering harmony and mutual respect among its diverse communities.
“The people, especially all beloved Penangites, are warmly invited to come together and celebrate this event, which serves as a lasting bond of harmony for our state,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan