THOUSANDS of people had a joyful time celebrating fellowship during the Penang State Christmas Celebration 2022 at the Esplanade here.
The state-level celebration resumed after a two-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The theme for the event is ‘Light of the World’ which refers to the significance of light.
Light is a shared element and a symbol of hope, joy, and success regardless of faith or cultural background.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that many people are familiar with the significance of Christmas, which is to serve as the commemoration of the nativity of Jesus.
“Christians believe that Jesus was born to be the saviour of the world, as the light that would guide the world out of the darkness of sin and death and into eternal life
“Christmas, as we now know it, is more than a just festive celebration with religious connotation.
“It is a wonderful season for us to reflect on what we have done throughout the year. It is also an empowering time as we plan and have hope for the beginning of a new year.
“In general, Christmas is also a time for celebration, gathering and appreciating one another, regardless of faith, cultural background and skin colour,” he said in his speech this evening.
Chow said the wonderful gathering of people is part of the true spirit of Christmas in Penang.
“Penang is rich in diversity, and the people are united in and celebrating diversity.
“The Penang government acknowledges and continues to leverage the state’s multicultural strength.
“We work with various communities to celebrate festivals and religious celebrations. The Penang government has allocated RM1.1 million for Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico) in support of its programmes this year.
“Twenty programmes have been successfully organised to date. The state government will be increasing the allocation for Harmonico to RM1.3 million next year,” he said.
Chow also thanked Harmonico and the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), with the help of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), for successfully organising this state-level Christmas celebration at the Esplanade.
“Not to forget the sponsors from various industries who never hesitated to help the various homes in need,” he said.
CFM Penang liaison committee chairman Rev Ronald Yap congratulated the Penangites.
“We have journeyed together in peace and harmony throughout the year.
“We have worked together in unity in facing the Covid-19 pandemic, we have a new unity government whom we voted for peacefully and democratically. And we are rebuilding what was lost in the last few years,” he said in his speech.
Christmas, Yap said, has brought together a diverse community in a celebration of hope through songs, dance, drama and gifts that express joy and hope in God’s love, light and life for the people.
“We look forward to celebrating light and life together this Penang State Christmas Celebration 2022,” he said.
State Social Development and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng said every religion aimed at bringing meaning and purpose into the lives of their believers.
“The state government acknowledges and celebrates differences and cherishes them as the pillar of strength,” she said.
Despite the drizzle, visitors had a wonderful time shopping at the Christmas market, enjoying the cheerful Christmas performances, and savouring delicious food during the celebration.
The highlight of the event was the lighting of a giant Christmas decorative structure at the Speakers’ Square.
Ten charity homes also benefitted from this year’s Christmas celebration when they received a total contribution of RM40,000 at the event.
Among those present were Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Penang Development Corporation chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar, and Penang Women’s Development Corporation chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat