Ng taking a wefie with Amirudin (standing, second from left), Cheah (fourth from left) and other guests at the Selangor Christmas Celebration Open House 2024 in Bandar Sunway. — Photos: SHAARI CHEMAT/The Star
Locals, visitors lap up treats, spirit of harmony at state’s festive open house
A CHRISTMAS celebration in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, brought together people of diverse cultural backgrounds for an evening of food and performances.
State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the Selangor Christmas Celebration Open House 2024 saw the involvement of five Christian places of worship, 11 performances and more than 20 local and international delicacies.
“This celebration symbolises the strong unity among the people and state government, portraying Selangor as a harmonious state.
“It not only promotes mutual understanding between people of different races and religions, but also strengthens the relationship between the leaders and community.
“It has always been our tradition to tolerate and respect the differences in beliefs among the people of Selangor,” he said in his welcome speech during the event held at an open-air carpark near Persiaran Lagoon.
Visitors entertained by performances and activities like body art (below).
He added that the open house attracted not only those from Selangor but also visitors from other states and countries, which was timely especially since Selangor was preparing for its Visit Selangor Year 2025.
The campaign hopes to draw around eight million tourists to the state next year.
“Selangor has always been a tourist destination.
“It has the largest number of malls in Malaysia, besides other attractions such as theme parks and resorts.
“The current Christmas and holiday season is also a great time for tourists to enjoy various deals and discounts during their trips.
“I hope that programmes like this can be continued in the future.
“With the collaboration between various agencies, we can promote our shared culture that has become the main attraction in Selangor,” he said.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari in his opening speech vowed to continue protecting the people’s right to practise their own beliefs.
“This event signifies the state government’s commitment to respect the Christians’ culture of celebrating Christmas.
“The government has always been dedicated to ensuring fairness for all to practise their own beliefs.
Santa Claus and snowman a charming treat for young visitors.
“The Chinese community will be celebrating Chinese New Year at the end of January and the Hindus will celebrate Thaipusam not long after that.
“The freedom to celebrate these festivals will always be defended,” he reiterated.
He also emphasised that this “recipe of success” would be carried on to make Selangor a liveable state for everyone.
“The spirit portrayed through this event is key towards a harmonious Selangor that can benefit all,” he said.
Also present was Sunway founder and chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.
At the event, Amirudin also presented RM565,200 to churches in the state under a financial aid scheme for Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Taoist places of worship.
Several other welfare bodies received contributions ranging from RM5,000 to RM8,000.
