PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and several ministers today attended a Chinese New Year open house hosted by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and the Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry today.

Dr Mahathir and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, in ravishing pink and red, arrived about 11am to the Klang event, where they were welcomed by Lim.

Some ministers also seen at the celebration were Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad and Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok, besides KCCCI chairman Lim Kuang Sia.

At the open house, some 1,000 people from various communities were entertained with a lion dance and other traditional performances representing multicultural Malaysia. 

Dr Mahathir, his wife and other guests also took part in the traditional tossing of the yee sang salad that symbolises good fortune, prosperity and all things profitable.

In a speech, Lim said that the Pakatan Harapan government, in representing all Malaysians, must devote their energy to ensuring the prosperity of the country for the good of the people.

“We will face all challenges to protect our economy and ensure economic growth is maintained for a sustainable cost of living for the people,” he said.

Lim also expressed confidence that the country’s economy this year will be better than last year.

He said the new lunar year of the rat began with the happy news of the North-South Highway toll restructuring, which saw its rate reduced by 18% from February 1.

“This is the first time the toll fare has been reduced. Previously, it has only gone up but after the change of government, something that we thought would never happen, has happened. Congratulations to all government members under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir,” he said. – Bernama, January 26, 2020.