JOHOR BARU: Ladies who attended the Johor MCA Chinese New Year open house had a lovely surprise when they received a stalk of rose each on Valentine’s Day.

Housewife P. Jayanthy Balachandar, 43, said the moment caught her by surprise when she entered the SJKC Pu Sze hall in Skudai here.

“This is actually my first time receiving flowers as my husband usually gives me jewellery for Valentine’s Day.

Only for the ladies: Ladies who attended the Johor MCA Chinese New Year open house were treated to a surprise when they were handed roses at the entrance in conjunction with Valentine’s Day.

“It definitely brightened up my day,” she said.

Another happy housewife Chom Atan, 51, said she was delighted with the stalk of red rose.

“The roses are a nice touch because I did not expect to receive flowers at my age,” she said with a laughter.

Bridal shop attendant Lily Teoh, 29, felt that the event’s organisers were thoughtful to give out flowers to the ladies.

“Everybody knows ladies love receiving flowers and this is a way of showing that they care,” she said.

Some 1,300 stalks of roses were given out during the event.

Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman who was present at the event, had urged all Barisan Nasional members to work together to maintain as its stronghold despite the opposition making it its frontline state in the coming general election.

Abdul Ghani took a swipe at PKR, who did not have a presence in the state despite having a former Health minister as their leader.

“Johor is not a ‘fixed deposit state’ for Barisan as claimed by the Opposition but I believed that the voters can see for themselves which party have been performing over the last 50 years.

“Their leader is fighting a lone battle because their party is weak and does not have the support from Johoreans which is a basis to form a strong government,” he said.

He also urged the Chinese community not to be fooled or be used by the Opposition in order for them to gain power in the state.

Abdul Ghani added that under the Prime Minister’s Economic Transformation Plan, it would ensure that our country could continue to keep up with neighbouring countries in terms of economic development.

“I am confident that under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s leadership, Malaysia can continue to work towards a high income nation status and achieve economic stability in the near future,” he added.

The event was also attended by MCA leaders including president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Youth chief Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, national organising secretary Datuk Tee Siew Kiong, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Gan Peng Siew, Kluang MP Dr Hou Kok Chung, Labis MCA chief Tan Kok Hong and Labis MP Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

-The Star-