Kota Kinabalu: The Year of the Dragon was ushered in by the Chinese community in Sabah in a jubilant mood as they were joined by other communities in celebrating the Chinese New Year.Malaysians from all walks of life in Sabah attended the various Chinese New Year open houses hosted by political parties and individuals throughout the State during the celebration on Monday and Tuesday.
On the first day, Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin together with his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah Datuk R M Jasni, graced open houses in Sandakan, accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
Among the open houses in Sandakan on Monday were hosted by Gerakan at Dewan Chi Hwa, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) at the Sandakan Futsal, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) at Kenalanmu Seafood, MCA Sandakan, Libaran, Batu Sapi and Kinabatangan at SM Yu Yuan Hall.
The Chief Minister also attended the open houses hosted by Datuk Seri Panglima Koh Kin Chee at Taman Fulliwa and Datuk Thien Fui Yun at his residence in Jalan Fook Hin.
Later in the night, Musa attended a dinner banquet with the Head of State in conjunction with the Chinese New Year at the official residence of the Sandakan Municipal Council President.
Daily Express and Overseas Chinese Daily News publisher, Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd's Managing Director, Datuk Clement Yeh, also held his open house on the first day in Likas.
Among those who attended was State Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said.
On Tuesday, Musa accompanied Juhar to attend open houses at the State Capital, beginning with the one hosted by PBS at Airport View Hotel, then by Gerakan Sabah at Likas Sports Complex and Sabah MCA at KK High School.
Opposition Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) also held its open house on Tuesday at Kian Kok Hall where an estimated 10,000 people attended.
President Datuk Yong Teck Lee said:
"Dragon symbolises power and greatness. Therefore, it is with high hopes that the people of Sabah look forward to the return of power and greatness in this Year of the Water Dragon.
"It is for this reason of economic prosperity for the people, greatness for Sabah and people power that SAPP has launched its 'Economic Plan for Sabah'."
