SEH TEK TONG CHEAH KONGSI’S MOON CAKE FESTIVAL

Speech by Chief Minister of Penang
For Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi’s Moon Cake Festival
7.15pm, Cheah Kongsi, Penang

Mr. Cheah Swee Huat,DJN,PKT., chairman Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi

His Excellency Mr. Raschada Jiwalai , Consul General of Thailand, Penang

His Excellency Mr. Kenji Yamakawa, Representative of Japan Consul General Penang

Superintendent Puan Tan Lee Jeng, Cawangan Khas, Polis Diraja Malaysia

Wakil Ketua Polis Pulau Pinang

Mr. Jonathan Freddy, Director,Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Penang

Ms. Chuah Ai Kheng, Representative of George Town World Heritage Incorporated

Distinguished Guests

Members of the media

Ladies and Gentleman

Cheah Kongsi may not aspire to be the leading Kongsi but as a matter of fact I am sure Cheah Kongsi is one of the vibrant or active Kongsi in Penang. I find that not only Cheah Kongsi is promoting cultural heritage but also active in participating external society activities these few years. Seeing the number of activities being organized annually, I understand behind the scene there were a lot of works to be done and it is not an easy tasks to carry out on a honorary basis. Congratulations to the current management team under the leadership of Mr. Peter Cheah Swee Huat.

The Cheah Kongsi had made the right decision by taking the initiative to restore the clanhouse and the surrounding houses in 2013, especially the building of the artistic fencing along Beach Street. As such today the Cheah clan house is an iconic heritage building in this enclave, an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cheah Kongsi is more than two hundred years old entity, there are very few Kongsi in Malaysia who has history of more than 200 years old. I am sure the current leadership and management will preserve this history and legacy for the future Cheah generations and visitors to see and learn.

I am glad to hear that Cheah Kongsi had taken pro-active steps by inviting external welfare organizations of other community to join in the mooncake celebrations this year. And also the art of making traditional mooncake for the general public.

Thank you for keeping the tradition alive and sharing it with the public, while making the inner city of George Town worth visiting by the visitors.

Lastly, I wish Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi all the best and continuous progress.

Thank you.