Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor captivated attendees at the Kedah Chinese New Year Carnival by speaking in Mandarin during his speech.
Sanusi greeted the crowd with traditional phrases “Gong Xi Fa Cai”(wishing you wealth and prosperity) and “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year), before charming them further by saying “Wo Ai Ni” (I love you) in Mandarin.
The carnival, organized by the Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall and funded by the state government, took place at the Harmony Arch and Chinatown area in Alor Setar.
According to China Press, Sanusi shared that he has Chinese heritage, as his grandfather migrated from China to Malaya and converted to Islam during his speech.
Sanusi emphasized that race and skin color are beyond one’s control, but faith is a personal choice.
He highlighted that Islam opposes racism and upholds religious freedom.
He also reiterated to Oriental Daily that he serves as the Menteri Besar for all 2.2 million Kedah residents, not just for the Malay community, Muslims, or supporters of Perikatan Nasional.
Sanusi also affirmed that the state government is committed to supporting the welfare of Kedah’s 276,000 Chinese residents, ensuring they enjoy equal treatment with other communities.
Prominent guests at the event included Kedah Chinese Affairs Committee Chairman Wong Chia Zhen, Kedah State Secretary Dato’ Seri Haji Norizan bin Khazali , Chinese Consul-General in Penang Zhou Youbin, and Kedah Chinese Assembly Hall President Chong Lai Hock.
The carnival drew a large crowd, showcasing the state’s multicultural spirit.
