PM hopes Year of the Rooster will 'fire up' country's economy

"Also we hope to ramp up efforts to look after the welfare of the people and that this year may be free of any threats especially in terms of national security," he said.

Najib told this to reporters when asked about his hopes for the Year of the Fire Rooster in the Chinese calendar at the MCA's CNY open house at Wisma MCA here.

He added that he hoped that Malaysians will continue to live in peace and harmony and join hands in strenthening further racial unity.

Najib also wished the Malaysian Chinese community "Gong Xi Fa Cai".

Earlier, Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, had spent about an hour at the open house.

Najib, who donned a red batik shirt (red being an auspicious color for the Chinese), and Rosmah in a Chinese traditional dress, were welcomed on arrival by MCA's top brass led by its president to the beat of drums and a lion dance.

The leaders along with other leaders from Barisan Nasional component parties later tossed the must have 'yee sang' for good luck.

Najib and the guests also witnessed a Chinese calligraphy demonstration by Calligraphy Society of Malaysia patron Dr Wong Kum Peng before he (Najib) took the opportunity draw the Chinese word 'Chun' which means 'the spring festival of the year.'

Also present were MIC president and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam; Gerakan president and Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong; International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Federal Territories Minister and BN secretary-general, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Also present were MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi and former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

Besides locals, the open house also attracted foreign tourists.

Liow, who is also Transport Minister, said Malaysians must embrace 2017 with renewed spirit and hoped it would bring greater prosperity for the country.

"The rooster crows early in the morning to wake people up from their slumber. In this modern age, we also must have the spirit to wake up early, work hard," he said, alluding to the proverb "the early bird catches the worm".