Anthony Loke: Unity Government Will Accelerate Institutional Reforms, Chinese Education Policy Will Also Be Adjusted

(Selangor, 2nd) As we enter the Year of the Horse, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke guarantees that the Unity Government will definitely accelerate the pace of institutional reforms to lay a solid foundation for good governance and economic takeoff in our country. Moreover, with the increasing prominence of the Chinese language, the government will make adjustments to the Chinese education system, encouraging all ethnic groups to learn Chinese well together!

Loke previewed that in the new year, the government will make some adjustments in the area of education to make our country’s education system more inclusive and open-minded, especially regarding the learning of Chinese.

"The government will make adjustments in learning Chinese, because we all know the importance of Chinese today. For the Chinese community, it's not only about the continuation of Chinese education. On the national level, we must also encourage our fellow Malaysians of other ethnic groups to learn Chinese well together with us!"

The Minister brought this good news in his opening speech last night (the 1st) at the “Galloping Horse Welcomes Spring · Splendor of Asia — ATV Spring Festival Gala 2026” held in Setia Alam Eco Park, Selangor.

On national transformation, he also indicated that although our country has faced challenges in reforms in recent years, it has not shaken the government's determination to move forward and to ensure institutional reforms proceed more smoothly.

"We hope to build a better foundation for governance, so that Malaysia's economy can take off, and so that investors can be more confident in investing and developing in Malaysia."

Referring to the gala’s organizer, Asia Television, Anthony Loke also praised ATV for setting up a news team in Malaysia earlier on, reflecting the broadcaster’s strong confidence in Malaysia’s future. He hopes ATV will continue to spread Malaysia’s news to Chinese communities around the world, letting everyone hear Malaysia’s voice.

This unique "ATV Spring Festival Gala" not only presented a variety of wonderful Chinese cultural programs and song and dance performances, attracting more than a thousand guests from various ethnic groups, but also made history by televising the activities of the evening on national television on New Year’s Eve (16th).

Asia Television Executive Director Leong Wei Wei said in her speech that this spring gala is not just an evening event, but a cultural inheritance, carrying the memories and emotions of all, allowing people of different generations and backgrounds to connect at the same moment, and that the role of media is to extend the warmth of culture.

"In recent years as the media environment changes rapidly, we've faced challenges and endured pressure. But as the New Year symbolizes – no matter how tough the winter is, a new beginning always arrives."

One of the invited guests, Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia President Tan Sri Lim Hock San, spoke of the various traditions of the Lunar New Year, pointing out that it's not just about formalities, but also a reminder for the Chinese community not to forget their roots and to cherish the bonds among people.

"Hokkiens often say, celebrating the new year is about 'prosperity, harmony, and unity.' When a family gathers for the New Year, it's about giving blessings and wishing for a better year ahead. This culture of valuing family and relationships has always influenced the way we develop ourselves overseas."

Another guest, Minister-Counsellor Zheng Xuefang from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, told attendees that the Spring Festival embodies the aspiration for “harmonious coexistence and a world of unity,” making it not only China’s important festival, but a global cultural event.

"Every time the Spring Festival approaches in Malaysia, streets and alleys are festively decorated and big red lanterns are hung high, with a joyful and cheerful atmosphere everywhere. People celebrate with Yee Sang tossing, high-pole lion dances, 24-season drums and other customs, adding auspicious and lively Malaysian flair to the Spring Festival and highlighting Malaysia’s multicultural, open, and inclusive civilization."

Zheng Xuefang expressed confidence that this Lunar New Year, more Chinese tourists will come to Malaysia for the festival: “For many Chinese people, ‘Traveling in Malaysia during the Year of the Horse’ has become a trendy choice for outbound travel this Spring Festival, and the 9-day holiday provides a unique opportunity. I believe this will inject new momentum for Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026!”

Later in the event, in addition to performances of New Year songs by local singers Bell Chung, Yao Yi and Zhen Fenni, as well as ATV's Miss and Mister singing ATV's New Year song “Happiness Will Arrive at My Home,” there were also impressive 24-season drum performances, fire yo-yo, qipao dances, and the grand finale with high-pole lion dance and fireworks display, drawing great acclaim from attendees.

Additionally, the event organizer Setia Group announced that through the Spring Festival fundraising event, they successfully raised RM2.1 million for the Klang Chinese Primary School Development Committee to support Chinese education development.

Setia Group Chairman Xu Tiancheng and Managing Director Xu Guodong, witnessed by Selangor State Executive Councillor Huang Sihan and other guests, presented the mock cheque to Klang Chinese Primary School Development Committee Chairman Dato' Chan Wei Hou and Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall Chinese Primary School Affairs Director Chan Xunjie.