BENTONG: The Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia have impressed Dr Huang Huikang so much that the Chinese ambassador wrote an article on it for the People’s Daily newspaper.

He noted that the celebration was observed on a large scale throughout the country.

“It was a festival for all with the 1Malaysia spirit displayed by people of all races and religions. I do not remember how many times I spent Chinese New Year overseas but in Malaysia, I felt the joy, peace and happiness shared by people of all races,” said Dr Huang, who marked the event in Kuala Lumpur.

Yesterday, at a CNY open house hosted by MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and the Bentong MCA division at the Chinese Assembly Hall here, the envoy read out excerpts of his article published on Monday.

He wrote about how in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the non-Chinese joined in by also shopping for festive goods.

In his article, Dr Huang observed how non-Chinese traders decorated their premises with red scrolls with “Gong Xi Fa Cai” written across, and how the people enjoyed fireworks displays.

Dr Huang, who was on his maiden trip to Liow’s parliamentary constituency here, sampled local delicacies and was also taken on a tour of the town.

A large crowd turned up at the hall to enjoy the sumptuous spread of food and cultural shows.

At the event, which was aimed at sharing the reunion spirit of the Chinese New Year with the people, Liow said he made it a point to celebrate Chinese New Year with his constituents, saying it was an important tradition to him.

He said Bentong had the potential to become a popular tourist destination due to its strategic location.

“These days, more tourists are coming here during weekends and public holidays to buy our local products,” he added.

Also present were Liow’s wife Datin Seri Lee Sun Loo, MCA vice-president Datuk Chua Tee Yong, Pahang MCA chairman Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, MCA Youth secretary-general Datuk Leong Kim Soon and representatives from local Chinese associations and guilds.

At another open house in Kampung Repas here, Liow and Huang were treated to Hakka cuisine such as spring rolls and yong tau foo prepared by elderly villagers.

-The Star-