MCA hosts CNY open house

KUALA LUMPUR: About one thousand people comprising locals and tourists came for the Chinese New Year open house hosted by MCA at its headquarters here today.
The usual sound of Chinese drums were heard echoing in the compound of the building early in the morning, together with lion dances, as they welcomed all the VIPs and guests to the open house.
Among those present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and his deputy Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, MIC president Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam and Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
Najib, who was clad in a red batik, said he hoped that the Chinese New Year will bless Malaysia with peace and prosperity.
"I wish that we will continue to live in peace, harmony and we will always strive to foster national unity.
"I also hope that the year of the rooster will improve the nation's economy and the government's efforts in providing for the people could be increased," Najib said.
Liow, when approached by reporters, said that he hopes this Chinese New Year will be a better year for Malaysia.
"We are blessed that Malaysia can celebrate Chinese New Year in peace and harmony.
"What's more important is that we must increase our efforts in facing big challenges this year," he said.
Liow, who is also the Transport Minister said he hoped the year of the fire rooster will make Malaysians be more productive.
"Usually, a rooster will crow early in the morning and wake us all from our sleep.
"Thus i think the rooster's spirit must be instilled in every Malaysian and make us work hard, especially as a developing country, we need to have a high productivity level," he said.