As a sign of respect to former Gerakan president Dr Lim Keng Yaik who died last month, the party at central-level will not hold this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations at the Dewan Wawasan in Menara PGRM, which has been the norm.

Party president Dr Koh Tsu Koon said this was because the hall has been renamed Dewan Wawasan Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

“As a result of the renaming (of the hall) and also in accordance with Chinese tradition, the party decided that we will not hold Chinese New Year celebration in that hall for this year, as an expression of our sorrow and gratitude (to Lim),” he told reporters at an event, ‘A Tribute to Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik: The Legacy of a True Malaysian’ today.

The plaque bearing the new name of Dewan Wawasan Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik was unveiled by Lim’s widow, Wong Yoon Chuan, at the event.

Koh said however, Gerakan at state-level was not restricted from organising Chinese New Year “gatherings”.

“They can proceed with Chinese New Year gatherings... not refer to them as celebrations but gatherings, among party members,” he said.

- Bernama