Diversity spices up CNY do in Bandar Tun Razak
Guests treated to variety of food, lion dance and ang pow at open house
STREET performances and good food were among attractions at the Chinese New Year open house at Alam Damai in Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur.
The event was hosted by the Bandar Tun Razak Residents Representatives Council (MPPWP).
Among the VIPS who attended the event were Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary Datuk Azman Abidin, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan, Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall president Datuk Seri KK Chai and MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
Also present were Chinese Society Bureau chairman Tai Chin Jack and Malaysian Buddhist chief high priest Datuk K Sri Dhammaratana.
In his opening speech, Chai spoke on the many positive traits of the dragon since it was the Year of the Dragon.
“The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac. Yet, it shares characteristics with other animals. It has a face resembling a camel, horns akin to those of a deer, eyes similar to a rabbit’s, and claws resembling an eagle.
“The dragon represents progress, progressive thinking and inclusivity as well as the spirit of embracing diversity,” he said.
When Chai announced that he would be giving out ang pow packets, children rushed to the stage to receive a packet each.
There was a variety of hawker fare favourites such as satay, char kuey teow and various beverages served to guests at the function.
Some 150 people sat under four huge tents lining Jalan Damai Puspa 5 to enjoy the food.
Slated to start at 8.30pm, the event area was packed with visitors by 7pm.
They were treated to a lion dance performance by a troupe.
Watching the performance, Lingesh Raj, in his 30s, said he saw an event advertisement banner and decided to attend it with his three children to experience Chinese culture.
Alam Damai resident Betty Low, 66, enjoyed the hawker fare with her neighbours and close friends.
“Through our chat group, we informed others that there would be a Chinese New Year celebration here and promised to meet up,” she said.
One of her friends, Lew, 64, said visitors were required to register to receive ang pow but the queue was long.
Chai later distributed ang pow packets to the crowd.
Surrounded by eager recipients, he also handed some of the red packets to Azman to help with the distribution.