More than 5000 attend Guan Eng's Chinese New Year open house

GEORGE TOWN: More than 5000 guests including politicians and state leaders turned up at SPICE arena today at the Penang Chief Minister Chinese New Year open house.
The open house held from morning until about 12pm was also attended by Penang Governor Tun Dr Abdul Rahman Abbas, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his wife Betty Chew.
Abdul Rahman was greeted on arrival by Lim at the entrance of SPICE arena and by the state leadership line up headed by Lim and were entertained by a lion dance performance.
He spent more than half and hour at the event later joined other state leaders in tossing yee sang a traditional delicacies during the festival which is believe to bring luck among the Chinese community.
Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1, Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon and Penang Deputy Chief Minister 2, Professor P. Ramasamy and state excos.
Also seen were Amanah leader such as Mohammad Sabu and Datuk Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
Guests from the various races and foreign tourists also joined in the festival while watching the cultural performances and songs during the open house.
Today Chinese community mark an auspicious day this year where they welcoming the new year in the Chinese Lunar calendar.