PCCCI: From Perak, exploring ASEAN and China

Dragon dance performers going around incircles during their presentation.

The Chinese community in Ipoh was treated to a royal night of traditional dances and music as they joined in a dinner with the Sultan of Perak.

The event, named Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Masyarakat Cina and organised by the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI), was held in hopes of strengthening racial bonds and providing Chinese youths the opportunity to be closer to Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

The night saw a mass of people, including members of the public and dignitaries, first gathering in front of the Ipoh Town Hall to watch cultural performances.

Upon Sultan Nazrin Shah’s arrival with his consort Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, accompanied by Perak Mentri Besar (Chief Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the Ipoh Chinese Chin Woo Athletic Association started the event with dragon dances.

Three magnificent dragons were seen dancing together before making way for a cohort of lion dancers entering the scene from both sides to demonstrate clashes of power.

Sultan Nazrin Shah (sitting, third from left) with his consort Tuanku Zara Salim (his left) waiting for the event to begin. With them are (sitting, from left) event organising advisor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, Perak MB Dr Zambry.

They pranced around in pairs before the dragons returned for thegrand finale.

Later on, the crowd was treated to a display of Chinese varietyart, where boys were tasked with balancing two massive flags on poles as highas three storeys – an impressive and challenging feat.

Some balanced the flags on their heads while some used their mouths and hands.

The movements were accompanied by the rhythmic drum beats of the 24-season drum troupe from SJK Sam Chai, SJK Pasir Pinji 1 and SJK Pasir Pinji 2.

While guests were tucking into dishes served in the food dome on their respective tables, Chinese symphony orchestra players performed oriental melodies on stage.

Chinese opera singers, donned in vibrant, extravagant traditional costumes and make up, took to the stage after that, creating a sense of nostalgia among the seniors.

 Sultan Nazrin Shah (centre) admiring aphotography exhibition before entering the hall.

There was also a bilingual poetryrecital, wushu performance by former world champion Lee Yang and a stunning display of strength in gymnastics by Sokka Gakkai Malaysia.

Earlier, organising chairman Datuk Liew See Yee said despite recent tense racial relationships, he assured that Chinese organisations will work together with the state to develop and boost Perak’s economy.

As one of the most prominent business organisations in Perak, PCCCI has set a three-year plan to achieve our goals, called ‘Dari Negeri Perak, Menjelajah ke Asean dan China’ (from Perak state, exploring Asean and China).

A cohort of lion dance performers entering the event grounds on the grand night.

“This will be our long-term economic target to promote Perak by introducing its tourist destinations and conducive investment climate,” he said in his opening speech at the event on Saturday.

Liew added that the event strived to promote harmony among the Chinese community and 25 Chinese organisations came together with PCCCI to make the night a success.

(Source: The Star Online MetroPerak)

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