OPEN houses are a tradition that should be preserved during every major festival, says Datuk Seri Dr King Lim Chin Fui.
The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman said the concept was also in line with the country's diverse and plural society.
"In conjunction with the festive season, we should take the opportunity to visit and deepen our understanding and mutual respect for one another.
"Festivities are a good platform to bring us closer together as a nation and to strengthen national unity.
"It has been a few years since we last organised a major Chinese New Year open house following the Covid-19 pandemic.
"This year, we decided to hold a big gathering post-pandemic and are delighted with the good turnout," Lim said in an interview on Friday (Feb 16).
Through his company - Five Petroleum Malaysia Sdn Bhd - thousands of people from all walks of life attended the open house held at SJK(C) Tsun Jin here on Thursday night (Feb 15).
Among those who attended were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The VIP guests also participated in a symbolic yee sang tossing ceremony as a way to bring luck and good fortune to usher in the Year of the Dragon.
The crowd, meanwhile, were treated to various festive delicacies while being entertained with lion dances, dances and cultural performances.
Lim, who is also Five Petroleum chief executive officer, urged the people to give their full support to the unity government and its policies.
He said a strong and stable government would boost investors' confidence and bring more economic growth and prosperity to the people.
"We need to compete globally in these challenging times post pandemic so that the country can achieve more development.
"At the same time, I hope the people will be more vigilant as scammers are on the prowl with cheating and investment scams recording an upward trend," he said, adding that MCPF would work closely with the police to create more awareness on the issue.
