CHINESE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL IN MELAKA LAUNCHED

Monday February 1, 2010

Ong launches CNY carnival in Malacca

MALACCA: More than 10,000 people gathered along Jalan Kubu and Jonker Walk here for the launching of the state’s month-long Chinese New Year carnival by MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.

The ceremony on Saturday night was made more auspicious with Ong given the honour of inscribing the Chinese character Wang – meaning king – onto the frame of the largest lion head in the country to mark the start of festivities here.

During his speech, Ong said such events were a reflection of the Malaysian culture, in which all races should take pride.

“The Chinese New Year Carnival here has not only become a world-famous tourist attraction but also an event in which locals can take pride,” he said, adding that festivities were held in the true spirit of 1Malaysia.

Auspicious inscription: Ong inscribing the Chinese character ‘Wang’ which means king onto the frame of the largest lion head in the country in Malacca on Saturday night
Speaking to reporters later, Ong gave his assurance to the people in Malacca that he would look into how the state could benefit from the opening of the Melaka International Airport on Feb 4.

Ong, who is also Transport Minister, said he would look into several proposals forwarded by state MCA leaders on the use of the airport.

“This is my assurance, that whenever I go to the ground to be with the people, I do not merely take note of the feedback I receive as MCA president or as Transport Minister but act on them as soon as possible,” he said.

Earlier, Ong launched the ceremony by switching on the lights attached to the lion’s head, which measures 13.2m in length and 5.2m in height.