CNY event not interfering with Chew Jetty programme

Story by Danny OoiPix by Shum Jian-Wei

TANJONG MP Ng Wei Aik on Jan 5 told a press conference that the state government is concerned about organising the Chinese New Year Cultural

Performance Festival to be held on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. “It is to fulfil the obligation to Penangites and the local community apart

from tourists who come yearly to partake in this festival. “We are not interfering or stealing the show away from the Jade Emperor’s Birthday

celebration, organised by the Chew Jetty management. I cannot understand the uproar over the two celebrations being held at the same time.

“Our main aim is to create a merrier atmosphere for all. Is this issue being politically motivated?” Ng asked.

Joining him at the press conference held at the Esplanade food court premises were Pengkalan Kota assemblymember Lau Keng Ee.

Ng added that the Cultural Performance Festival is not a duplicate of the Chew Jetty celebration. “We are not involved in the birthday celebration

which has been held by Chew Jetty residents for over a century.

“It is a build-up to the night and it is supposed to complement the Jade Emperor’s Birthday celebration.”

Ng said the piece of land on which the cultural function is held actually belongs to the state and the application to have the function there had

already been approved by the district officer.

It was reported in a local daily on Jan 3, that Chew Jetty residents were in uproar over the state government’s plan to hold the Chinese New Year

Cultural Performance at the same time with the annual Jade Emperor’s Birthday ceremony. On Jan 2, some 30 residents staged a protest in front of

their houses in Weld Quay to show their frustration against the proposed festival.

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