Hundreds gather at KL hotel to celebrate China’s 74th anniversary

KUALA LUMPUR: The reception to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was a grand night of splendour.

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Shangri-La hotel, the event saw the attendance of hundreds of invited guests, adorned in traditional or formal attire.

At the centre of the reception hall were two massive giant panda sculptures of Fu Wa and Feng Yi which were loaned to Malaysia by China in 2014 for 10 years.

Guests were treated to an eye-catching traditional dance performance by a dozen dancers adorned with plum blossom themed costumes.

Both Transport Minister Anthony Loke and China Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing toasted to the success of each nation’s respective governments and the continued friendly relations.

Guests then stood as a multiracial choir first sang China’s national anthem followed by the Negara Ku.

Ouyang said he hoped for the continued successful cooperation between both nations.

“Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia and it will mark an important milestone for both countries.

“Let us raise a toast to and wish for the prosperity of both Malaysia and China as well as the happiness and well-being of both nation’s people.

“Let us wish China-Malaysia relations a bright future ahead,” he said.

A four-tier cake was then unveiled, adorned with edible gold Chinese-style decorations including some shaped like plum blossoms, China’s national flower.

The cake was also topped with a large Chinese flag attached to a flagpole.

The friendly reception also saw the attendance of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.