Penang National Christmas Open House

USPA NEWS - Georgetown: About 20,000 people are expected to turn up for the national level Christmas open house at Esplanade. Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the state would assist the Tourism Ministry to hold the event, scheduled to start from 10am to 6.30pm

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the national Christmas open house at the Esplanade here on Wednesday. Tourism and Culture Ministry deputy director-general Datuk Abdul Ghaffar A.Tambi said George Town had been selected to host this year´s event on Christmas Day because the city is a UnescoWorld Heritage site. Describing George Town as a centre of culture and heritage, he said the event would reflect the Malaysian spirit of peace and harmony and give everyone the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. “It is also a way of boosting tourism. The presence of tourists will make this event even merrier,“ he said. Abdul Ghaffar said the event was part of the government´s continuous effort to maintain the Malaysian

tradition of a festive open house. He said it would give tourists the opportunity to experience Malaysia´s hospitality through its culture and traditions. Abdul Ghaffar said although Christians represented about 10 per cent of the population, the celebration was welcomed by Malaysians irrespective of race and religion. The event will be filled with activities including exhibitions, cultural performances and concerts by local artistes. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and other dignitaries will join the festivities. scheduled to start from 10am to 6.30pm tomorrow. Since Penang is the host, state secretary Datuk Farizan Darus will provide the ministry with details on the local logistics.