State-level CNY open house on the cards

KUCHING: A state-level Chinese New Year open house celebration will be held here for the first time this year.

The celebration which is being organised by the state government follows the successful staging of similar state-level events for other celebrations such as Hari Gawai and Hari Raya.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who disclosed this said it will take place from 9am to 3pm with details to be announced on Feb 2.

Dr Sim who chairs the 2024 Chinese New Year celebration management committee, said the purpose is to celebrate the Chinese community together with other communities to enhance the festive spirit, regardless of race and religion.

“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has asked me to organise the CNY 2024 Sarawak-level open house following our successful organisation of open houses for other celebrations such as Hari Gawai and Hari Raya,” he added.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the launching of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China couplet unveiling ceremony at the Malaysia-China Friendship Park here on Wednesday.

Dr Sim said since the official open house is being organised by the state government, many aspects need to be planned carefully involving various government agencies and specific protocols.

The organisation of the 2024 Chinese New Year state-level open house will be carried out in collaboration with government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Federation of Sarawak Chinese Associations; the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS), and Sarawak Chinese Martial Arts Association.

The celebration will be managed by the Deputy State Secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee.

In another development Dr Sim who is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president said the party will hold its Chinese New Year open house celebration in Sibu this year.

“Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, as the chairman of the event organisers, is currently arranging the venue and all related matters,” he said.

“Further details about both celebrations will be announced at a press conference on Feb 2,” he said.

The SUPP Chinese New Year open house was previously held at the party’s headquarters at Jalan Ong Kee Hui here, and this year, Sibu has been chosen to host the celebration, with the date to be