Najib launches CNY carnival at Gaya Street

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KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the Chinese New Year carnival at Gaya Street here last night.

Najib being greeted by the thousands of people at the carnival last night.-Photo by James Tseu.

The Prime Minister, who was earlier accorded a rousing welcome, also had a ‘Kopi Tarik’ served with green peas and ‘pisang goreng’ at a local cafe together with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, cabinet minsters and the local community.

More than 10,000 people representing the various races gathered at the carnival which was jointly organized by the Api-Api representative’s office and KK City Hall.

About 50 booths have been set up along Gaya Street selling Chinese New Year decorations and varieties of tidbits until Sunday.

Guests were also entertained to songs, dance performances and a five-minute impressive fireworks display at Lintasan Deasoka.

The sixth annual carnival is organized to foster and strengthen unity among the Chinese with other communities in the city.

Present at last night’s event were Deputy Chief Ministers Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Datuk Yahya Hussin, cabinet ministers, assistant ministers, president of the Federation of Chinese Association Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Sari Nuar, and Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim.

In his speech, Iliyas said the presence of the Prime Minister at the carnival proved the determination of the government leader to be close to the people of various races and religions.

Iliyas said Najib’s presence was not only to launch the carnival, but also gave him an opportunity to be close to the people despite his busy schedule.