First CNY celebration for Chinese Muslim group

IPOH: The first Masjid Muhammadiah Chinese Muslim group in the country (Masjid Muhammadiah) held their Chinese New Year celebration at Tasek Jaya.
Some 300 of them took part in the celebration.
They were entertained with a lion dance followed by tossing of the "Yee Sang". Present at the celebration were also state religious department officials and representatives from other religious organisations.
Mosque committee chairman Datuk Dr Fadzli Cheah Abdullah said they have been organising such CNY celebration every year, even before the mosque was built in 2013.
"The aim of the yearly gathering is also to dispel negative perceptions among Malaysians on Islam and its teachings," he said, adding that those who convert to Islam can also celebrate their traditional cultures and festivals..
Dr Fadzli who is the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association Ipoh branch chairman said they have also been participating in similar activities including tanglung and mooncake festivals.
"Islam does not prohibit participation in such events ... this is evident in the support given by the state religious department. We want the culture to be maintained and correct the misconceptions," he added.
The Open House was organised with the cooperation of the religious department, the Islamic Development Department, Hidayah Centre, Woody-Handy and EC Soap and Clay Art.