By V Sivaji
The Penang Chinese Town Hall (PCTH) celebrated the Chinese lunar Year of the Rabbit with some 800 guests at their premises along Pitt Street in Georgetown.
Lending presence was Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak along with Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, State Exco members, businessmen and community leaders.
Also present was the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang, HE Zhou Youbin and Consul General of Royal Thai Consulate in Penang, HE Khun Raschada Jiwalai.
They were given a boisterous lion dance performance, Chingay show and the blasting of firecrackers.
Chow in his address thanked PCTH for hosting the event after more than two years and called upon their members to join forces with the state’s economic agenda.
“We are committed to restore the various sectors which have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In line with the Penang Vision2030 we call upon the members of PCTH to partake in all of our initiatives.
“I would also like to thank the president of PCTH who had shown his support for all of the state’s plans and projects,”said Chow.
Earlier, PCTH president Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai and his committee laid out the red carpet for the Governor of Penang.
In his address, lauded the reconnection of air routes between Penang and Guangzhou by China Southern China Airlines from March 1, 2023.
“We also urge politicians to refrain from making sensitive statements and focus on working together to bring all communities together and the country.
“We are sure that all of us want to see a peaceful and harmonious country,” said Khoon in his speech.
Programmes for the morning saw some cultural performances and the presentation of souvenirs to community leaders and sponsors for the open house.
In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, the PCTH also hosted some 1,000 needed and underprivileged communities from all races to a hearty lunch at the car park of their building.
Meanwhile, the nearby Guan Yin was a hive of activity with devotees thronging the temple to offer prayers. The temple is also lit up with numerous lanterns to usher in the Year of the Temple.
