On Saturday, February 17, Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a Chinese New Year celebration at the grand ballroom of WEIL Hotel. The event which began around 10.30am was attended by over 500 guests as they welcomed the Year of the Dog. The guest of honour was Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri DiRaja Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Among the guests were Second Minister of International Trade and Industry Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Deputy Finance Minister Dato’ Lee Chee Leong, PCCCI Honorary Life President Dato’ Lim Kok Cheong and Honorary President Tan Sri Lee Oi Hian, Executive Councillor for Health, Public Transport, Non-Islamic Affairs, National Integration and New Villages Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon, State Executive Councillors, Members of Parliament and State Assemblymen.
Apart from expressing his utmost gratitude, Dato’ Liew Sew Yee recalled the activities the chambers had organised throughout its existence and in 2017. He too touched on some general issues.
“As General Election is just around the corner, we’d like to urge politicians to spare time to address and work on improving the economy like reducing government expenditure and household debt. The government should push for automation and be less dependent on foreign labour. Lower the cost of production and hence the cost of goods and services. They should also provide incentives for value-added processes in both public and private sectors,” exclaimed Liew.
The event began with a lion dance performance at the hotel lobby before guests proceeded to the ballroom for the yee sang ritual. Lunch was accompanied by singing performances. Children of welfare homes Nurul Iman and Vision Home were given angpows.
“I’ve always admired the Chinese tradition of reunion dinners which has been an enviable custom for centuries. Despite global economic and political uncertainties, the depreciation ringgit and competition from neighbouring states, Perak’s economy has maintained an impressive growth trajectory. And I agree with Dato’ Liew that political heckling must stop. There must be a limit thus mutual understanding is promoted,” concluded Zambry.
Khaleeja
