MCA open house a hit

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin joined well-wishers at the MCA open house at Wisma MCA, as Malaysians celebrated Chinese New Year on Sunday.

They were greeted by two lion dance troupes as they were ushered into the building.

First to welcome them was MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, in a wheelchair after a heel surgery, who waited for them at the entrance.

Najib and Muhyiddin, accompanied by their wives Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Puan Sri Norainee Abd Rahman respectively, were then ushered into the hall by MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (centre) accepting gifts from MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and wife Datin Seri Jane Ong at the party’s Chinese New Year open house at Wisma MCA in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Looking on are (from left) MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abd Rahman, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and MCA vice-presidents Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen and Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

They then sat at the main table and tossed yee sang together several times to emphasise their wish for a prosperous New Year, the 1Malaysia spirit of unity and good tidings for the MCA.

The guests, including ministers and dignitaries, were also entertained by multi-cultural performances and songs.

MCA leaders, including party central committee members led by MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, sang a Chinese New Year song for Najib and Rosmah.

Najib then joined them on the stage where he was presented with a gift by the leaders.

Scores of people of all races arrived as early as 9am for the open house.

Before leaving at 11.20am, Najib told reporters he hoped the Year of the Tiger would inspire Malaysians to unite through the 1Malaysia spirit.

“This is the year of recovery, when we will build up and strengthen our confidence in the economy and our future,” Najib said.

Ong: Learn to forgive

KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of forgiving one another should be practised by all Malaysians, said MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

Ong, who wished everyone a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year, said he had indicated this to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during MCA’s open house at Wisma MCA on Sunday.

“I indicated to the Prime Minister that this is a good practice as we Malaysians should learn from one another.

“This morning’s celebration is a joyful one as people from all races gathered together at this open house.

“I may have to use a wheelchair for a short while but this will not dim the festive spirit,” said Ong, who is also the Transport Minister.

Ong, who was using a wheelchair following surgery to his heel tendon, did not let his situation stop him from greeting leaders and well-wishers attending the open house.

He said he was touched by the presence of many leaders, especially from Barisan Nasional.

Ong said he also exchanged thoughts with Najib on several main concerns of the Chinese community.

“I am confident the Prime Minister’s 1Malaysia spirit and concept will continue to flourish and more importantly, will continue to be implemented in every part of this land,” he added.

On whether he was surprised to see MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai at the open house, Ong said it was meant for all and “more so, all our leaders.”

Ong also reiterated his call for MCA leaders to put aside differences and unite in the spirit of the festivities.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen hoped the party would unite and have a fresh start in the lunar new year.

“Let us put aside all personal agenda and work together for MCA, Barisan and the country,” she said.

Later, Ong also attended open houses at the Gerakan party headquarters, and the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.