PUTRAJAYA: MCA will hold a Chinese New Year reception – limited to invited guests only – in adherence to the standard operating procedure (SOP) guidelines set by the government, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The MCA president said unlike pre-pandemic years where the party would host an open house and open its doors to the public, the reception this year would be by invitation only.

       “We must lead by example and strictly follow all the guidelines.

       “We hope the public will understand this as we are following the SOP that has been set by the authorities,” he said during a joint press conference with National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique to announce the SOP for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

       Dr Wee, who is Transport Minister, said the reception would be held on the first day of Chinese New Year on Feb 1.

       He added that party secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon would release the details of the programme soon.

       The SOP, among others, allows for Chinese New Year receptions to be hosted within the stipulated guidelines for social activities under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan.

       These include ensuring that attendees are those from the guest list, and that the said visitors occupy only 50% of the premises holding capacity.

       Also, only fully vaccinated guests may participate in the event.

       The SOP, Dr Wee said, would allow for a merrier Chinese New Year celebration but maintained that all regulations must be strictly followed.

       He said the ushering of the Year of the Tiger would be different compared to last year’s celebration.

       “This is good news but it is also very important for us to take care of ourselves and comply with the SOP,” he said.

       Dr Wee also said three rounds of discussions were held before the SOP guidelines were drawn up.

       “We want to make sure that we are here to facilitate and not to restrict. I must commend the Minister of National Unity for her hard work and engagement with stakeholders,” he said.

       On another matter, Dr Wee explained the issue of tiger dance, saying that this was a tradition from the Hainan province in China which has been around for more than 300 years.

       “The dance is hardly heard of but it is a heritage from Hainan.

       “This year, we are celebrating the Year of the Tiger and perhaps, there are some who feel that it is befitting to usher in the lunar new year with a tiger dance,” he said.