Dressed as Chinese emperor, Najib's son calls on all to reject divisive elements

Dressed as Chinese emperor, Najib's son calls on all to reject divisive elements


Published: Feb 10, 2025 7:29 PM
Updated: 10:39 PM


Summary

• In a CNY message, Nizar Najib, who is the son of ex-PM Najib Abdul Razak, hopes Pahang will be free of harmful divisive elements that jeopardise societal harmony.

• The state exco shares photos of himself dressed as a Qing Dynasty emperor while attending a CNY event last night.

• This comes after an interfaith guideline controversy which erupted last week.

Dressed in the robes of a Chinese emperor in conjunction with a Chinese New Year celebration, Pahang exco member Nizar Najib has called on the people to reject divisive elements jeopardising societal harmony.

"May Pahang continue to prosper in harmony and be free from harmful elements that could divide our multiracial and multicultural society.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Chinese New Year!" the son of ex-PM Najib Abdul Razak said on Facebook, where he shared photos of himself dressed as a Qing Dynasty emperor during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Chinese New Year Festival last night.

Fellow exco members, including PKR’s Sim Chon Siang and DAP’s Leong Yu Man, along with Nizar’s wife, were also present and wearing traditional Chinese attire at the event organised by the Kuantan Chinese Opera Arts Association.

They were seen participating in festive activities such as "lou sang", Chinese calligraphy writing, and enjoying the lion dance performances.

In his post, Nizar stated that he was attending the event on behalf of Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Yesterday marked the 12th day of the Chinese New Year, which is the Year of the Snake. Traditionally, the Chinese community celebrates the festival until the 15th day, known as Chap Goh Mei.

Last Wednesday, a heated debate erupted over the government's proposal to introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Islamic places of worship.

Amid the controversy, MCA president Wee Ka Siong cited Chinese New Year celebrations as an example, emphasising that while the Chinese community invites Muslims to their festivities, they do not ask them to participate in prayers.

Following public outcry, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim later announced that the cabinet had decided the proposed guidelines were unnecessary.