KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 — Minister in charge of Islamic Affairs Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar is “looking forward” to “having a good time” at tomorrow’s planned Chinese New Year event at the Klang Hokkien Association Hall.

He said the public event has been planned months in advance and promised that he will turn up together with staff from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), The Star reported this evening.

“How can it be cancelled? Jakim has always attended this event every year in line with the fact Chinese New Year is not a religious festival,” he was quoted as saying.

Mohd Na’im was also reported to have sharing pictures of the tables and chairs set up at the venue to assure the public that the event was not cancelled.

The Star also reported the Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma) president, Prof Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, expressing surprise at rumours alleging the event has been called off

“We have been preparing for the event months ahead, as it is a big event. Furthermore, to ensure that the Minister would be able to fit it into his schedule,” he was quoted as saying.

He confirmed that the Chinese New Year celebration “is definitely happening tomorrow” at the Klang Hokkien Association headquarters in Klang.

“We have many interesting performances planned with lots of food for the guests,” Taufiq added.

He also said the event is open to the public and will closely follow Chinese traditions to ensure a memorable experience for everyone.

Jakim, in a statement released earlier on February 15, confirmed that the event, “Jalinan Muhibbah Madani” is organised in collaboration with several organisations, including Macma, the Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation, and the Hidayah Centre Foundation, with support from state Islamic authorities.