Thousands attend Gerakan CNY celebration

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 5,000 people from all walks of life attended Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia's annual Chinese New Year open house today.
Gerakan President Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said they only expected 3,000 guests to attend the celebration at its headquarters, and had not foreseen such a huge number to swarm in for their annual event.
"Today I am delighted that a huge number of people attended our open house. I apologise because we only prepared food for 3,000, but we are currently expecting over 5,000. Maybe it won't be enough," he told reporters here, today.
In wishing Malaysians a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year, Mah said the multicultural community that the country possesses makes it a unique attraction for people around the world.
He said although certain quarters might see it as a hindrance to the country's development, it should not be regarded as a problem, but more of a strength.
"This is our uniqueness, that is why we can have closer ties with China, India, the Middle East, and others. If you come to Malaysia, you don't have to go anywhere else (everything is here)," he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who was also present at Gerakan's celebration after attending his own earlier, said open houses like this is a good way to see Malaysians come together in a cheerful environment.
"I am proud because Malaysians can come and celebrate together. I think we should share all the happiness with all the rakyat in our country," he said.
Also present today were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
One of the guests who made her way from Puchong to the open house, Amalina Jalil, 20, who also came with her friend Aara Safiya Taufiq, said this was the first time she had attended a Chinese New Year celebration.
"I wanted to experience the atmosphere, and also to wish a happy new year to as many Malaysians as possible. And I must say the food is also really good," she told theSun.
Another guests, T. Ashok, 37, who came with his family, said he was delighted to have managed to see Mah and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak in person.
"I have been to a couple of MCA's open houses before, but this is my first time here. My two children were so pumped about seeing the prime minister, and also receiving an ang pow" he said.