M’sians are Face-Palming This Banner That Says ‘Happy Birthday’ Instead of Happy CNY

What are the few common Chinese New Year greetings that you will wish relatives and friends during this coming festive season? Tip: Gong Xi Fa Cai, Xin Xiang Shi Cheng, Wan Shi Ru Yi and more.

Recently, a banner wishing the Chinese community a Happy Chinese New Year by the Bukit Gantang District United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) Chief Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abd Fasal in Taiping has attracted the attention of local netizens on February 12.

Instead of wishing a Happy Chinese New Year in Chinese phonetics (Xin Nian Kuai Le), Happy Birthday (Sheng Ri Kuai Le) was printed, right after the “Wishing You Prosperity (Gong Xi Fa Cai)” wishes, China Press reported.

Source: china press

Taiping Member of Parliament (MP) Nga Kor Ming confirmed spotting the banner along Jalan Simpang in Taiping heading towards Bukit Gantang. The banner can be found hung at Kuala Sepatang and Matang as well.

After being contacted by Malaysiakini, Syed apologised towards the Chinese community, saying,

“I apologise, this was a mistake by my media team.”

“Normally, we do wish ‘Happy Birthday’ to our Chinese friends throughout the year and this time (the media team) may have used the wrong text. A correction to the banner will be immediately done,” he clarified.

‘Selamat Tahun Baru Cina 2018’ (Happy Chinese New Year 2018) was printed on the banner, which also showed Syed’s portrait as well as pictures of his community work, along with the 1Malaysia logo, BN logo, UMNO logo and Perak state emblem.

Well, at the end of the day, what matters most is still the sincerity and good intention! 

Also read: Here Are The Best Dates and Times to ‘Balik Kampung’ This Chinese New Year