Sungai Buloh Soiree

- June 09, 2024

Once in a while, mum would get hold of some random charity dinner tickets due to her connections with people who have close ties to Chinese-based associations in town. This time round, someone passed her a couple of tickets to Persatuan Kebajikan Yee Aik Sungai Buloh's charity dinner. According to their Facebook page, their focus is on filial piety, Chinese culture, and charity work. The dinner brought us to an unfamiliar part of Klang Valley~ Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh, some 30 KM from home. On the way there, I drove past the spanking new Menara EPF. The dinner was held at the event hall of SJKC Sungai Buloh, and the sheer number of guests that were invited practically choked the small new village roads. I parked my car at the nearby market square and walked over. Every guest was welcomed with a lion dance. They had the familiar Southern style and the more unique Hakka lion which looks like something out of Minecraft with its square jaw, and a Flower Horn forehead.

The event was graced by Ramanan Ramakrishnan, the MP for Sungai Buloh. The opening ceremony involved performing an 'eye opening' ritual for several brand new lions. Definitely very 'Cina'. My favourite part of the dinner was the auction of 'auspicious' items. The rotund master of ceremonies doubled as the auctioneer, and I must say that she would give anyone from Christie's a run for their money. Amazing how she can "Heng, Ong Huat" every single thing. Among the stuff on the auctioning block was a golden piggy bank, abacus, numerous Taoist items, and all sorts of liquor. Somehow or rather, those items are touted as being able to bring prosperity and wealth to the successful bidder. Many who participated were the numerous branch leaders and philanthropists. Later on they had wushu performances, and the multi-talented MC even started singing. A very interesting night indeed.