GEORGE TOWN – The Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi temple here marked its pre-Chinese New Year festivities with the Miao Hui celebrations, recently.
Held in compliance with standard operating procedures involving a small crowd and physical distancing, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow praised the organisers – the Penang Chinese Clan Council (PCCC), who went ahead with the event despite the current challenges.
The annual celebrations were held by the clan council to ensure that Chinese culture and practices can be handed down to younger generations.
Chow said that he admired the clan council for having the courage to proceed with the event despite having to cancel it for the past two years due to the pandemic.
“Fortunately, all of you did not give up but acted wisely and cautiously by taking preventive measures to organise Miao Hui even during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“To pass on this precious cultural heritage to future generations, you have devoted your precious time to keep alive the Miao Hui spirit every year,” he said during the launch of Penang Miao Hui 2022 celebrations on Friday.
Many open houses, namely the official state event and the one held at the temples in Weld Quay have been cancelled this year as Covid-19 continues to threaten the well-being of the population, thanks to the emergence of the highly infectious Omicron variant.
Chow said the state government would continue to focus on implementing policies that would benefit the people despite the difficult times.
“Penang hopes that this year, the proposed infrastructure projects, which are designed to raise the quality of living standards here, would begin in earnest after they were delayed due to bureaucratic issues and Covid-19.”
Additionally, Chow also attended the lighting of lanterns at Armenian Park, here.
The crowd was entertained by a group of primary school pupils giving a lively performance during the celebrations.
Among the guests who accompanied Chow include Chinese consul-general to Penang Lu Shiwei and PCCC chairman Datuk Ang Cho Tein.
According to Ang, this year’s Miao Hui, which is celebrated between January 1 and February 15, is held through a hybrid format – partly physical and partly online – unlike last year when the 22nd Penang Miao Hui was held fully online for nine days.
“Since 1999, we have always focused on the promotion of excellent and holistic Chinese culture,” Ang said. – The Vibes, January 16, 2022
