On 2 February 2020, the Malaysian Embassy in Paris welcomed more than 200 guests to its Chinese New Year celebration, which was held in the compound of Rumah Malaysia, Paris.
His Excellency Ambassador Dato’ Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar in his speech, welcomed everyone to Rumah Malaysia before inviting Mr. Yap Choon Chong, President of the Malaysian Association in France (MAF) to share the lectern with him. A visibly touched Mr. Yap thanked the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris for braving the winter by hosting the joyous occasion.
“It surely feels like home, when the radiance of Malaysian hospitality trumps the chilly winter,” he quipped. Thanking the Embassy, particularly the Perwakilan ladies for their effort in preparing the dishes to welcome the guests and ending his speech with cries of “Sayangi Negaraku”, Mr. Yap presented the Ambassador with a Chinese calligraphy piece he created.
The tossing of Yee Sang came immediately after the speeches. A Chinese Malaysian tradition that was declared as a Malaysian heritage food by the Malaysian Department of National Heritage – the tossing of the Yee Sang or Yusheng symbolises the abundance of prosperity in the coming new year. In a true Malaysian fashion, the tossing of the Yee Sang was joined in by Malaysians of multiracial backgrounds.
During the event, guests were treated to a feast of Malaysian classics including fried kway teow, chicken rice, curry noodle, spring rolls, curry puffs, satay and nasi lemak. Signature Malaysian drink, teh tarik was also served, much to the guests’ delight.
