His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, yesterday visited the Kg Sungai Besar residence of LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin for a Chinese New Year open house.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Muntaqim and Her Royal Highness Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah.

YB Pehin Dato Goh, his spouse and other members of the family were on hand to greet the Their Royal Highnesses.

Also present at the open house yesterday were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz and their son, YAM Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah, who brought along his spouse, Pengiran Seti Aminah.

Aside from the royal visitors, others also showed up for the celebration, taking the opportunity to extend their festive greetings to YB Pehin Goh and family, and among them were members of LegCo, ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and bankers.

Catered food ensured guests were treated to a range of delectable dishes, and red packets were handed out to the many visiting children, while a lion dance performance took the celebrative mood a notch higher.

A lion dance is one of the traditions to mark celebrations among the Chinese community with a long history dating back over 2,000 years. - Borneo Bulletin (24th January 2012)