There was a big turnout at the Kongsi Raya Rumah Terbuka - the Chinese New Year Open House Celebration - in Kota Bahru, Kelantan, yesterday, 26 January 2003.

More than 100,000 people from all over the state of Kelantan gathered at the Kompleks Sekolah Wakaf Mek Zainab in Kota Bahru to celebrate it.

The event which was organised by several Non Government Organisations (NGOs) with the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia, is the first of its kind for Kelantan.             

Among the guests of honour were YB Dato' Mustapha Mohamad, the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO) Chairman for the State of Kelantan, YB Dato' Fong Chan Onn, the Minister of Human Resources, and YB Dato' Paduka Abdul Kadir Haji Sheikh Fadzir, the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Malaysia.                 

The Chinese New Year Open House Celebration in Kelantan was a great success, and the people were treated to a spectacular show by local artistes last night. Despite attempts by various quarters to prevent the event from happening, the spirit of peace, tolerance and acceptability prevailed. In Malaysia, the Malays, Chinese and Indians, Eurasians and other indigenous groups retain and nurture their individual customs, traditions and religions, but exist in perfect harmony. As a multiracial and multicultural country,

Malaysia showcases a kaleidoscope of colourful events, customs and religions. The Kongsi Raya Rumah Terbuka is one of them and it bears testimony to the tolerance displayed by the communities that live together harmoniously.

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia

Date: 27 January 2004