Kotai singers wave the flag on stage
One for Malaysia: Loke distributing the national flag to the crowd at the kotai in Sungai Nibong
Phor Thor (Hungry Ghost Festival) performers are taking to the stage to show their patriotism in conjunction with the country's 55th Merdeka celebrations.
Recording artist Irene Thor Siao Ching and popular local singer Chye Seng Aun who was performing at a kotai (stage show) in Sungai Nibong, waved the Jalur Gemilang enthusiastically with the crowd while performing a patriotic Mandarin song, titled 'This is My Country'.
"I feel very proud to sing especially with my national flag in hand," Thor, 28, said when met backstage.
Penang Teong Guan Association deputy chairman Loke Poh Chye, who was present to distribute mini Jalur Gemilang flags to the crowd on Wednesday night, said Merdeka is an important celebration of unity, racial harmony and religious freedom.
"Phor Thor is an integral annual Chinese religious and cultural festival and as it coincides with Merdeka this year, it's timely for the community to show our patriotism.
"That's why the association is encouraging all Phor Thor performers to incorporate patriotism in their shows by giving away the Jalur Gemilang even after Aug 31 as Phor Thor only ends on Sept 15," he said.
Resident Yew Siew Eng, 58, welcomed the distribution of flags as it made the kotai more "lau juak" (more festive).
"We can show our love for the country while enjoying the show," she said.
The kotai was managed by Karaoke Cahaya Matahari.
It's owner, who declined to be named, said there were also other shows which featured singers taking to the stage dressed in Jalur Gemilang costumes carrying and waving the national flag.
"The audience love it and the singers normally run out of flags before the night is even over," he said.
Loke, who is also the Pengkalan Kota Barisan Nasional coordinator said this year's national Merdeka celebrations theme – Janji Ditepati, is a principle valued highly by the Chinese community.
"To the Chinese community, keeping one's promise is paramount and Barisan always strives to deliver," he said.
According to Chinese belief, the spirits enjoy a month-long 'vacation' in the human world when the gates of hell open during the seventh lunar month, allowing them to roam freely.
To pacify them, some 248 Phor Thor committees here present kotai, incense, paper money, opera, puppet shows and food as offerings.
The festival started on Aug 17.
- The Star -
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