It was time again for the annual CNY gathering of grassroot volunteers and their respective Members of Parliament at the Istana and this year it happens to fall on Chap Goh Mei, Feb 9th.
As usual, had to catch the shuttle bus from IRAS, was there at 6.30 pm, went through security screening and boarded the bus which got us to the Istana lawn at 7.00 pm. Under the Big Tent which was put up to accomodate the 1000 over diners, we moved around a bit to say hello to those we know - it was good to see Low Peng Kiat (from Yew Tee Constituency) whom I worked with in Hong Kah in the 80's....and also Vincent, our old neighbour.......and it was nice to see Mr Khaw Boon Wan, our previous MP wandering up to say hello. One thing you can say about him - he always make it a point to come to our table to say "hi" every year.8.00 pm sharp, the PM's arrival was announced, and food was served. Catering was by the Mandarin Hotel and we had lots to eat - chinese dishes, malay and indian dishes, the works.
9.00 pm, speech time and the PM was at it for 1 hour, ten minutes, talking to us on the economy and also giving us some interesting backgound information about what's going on and what will likely happen with our neighbouring countries, etc
10.20 pm , the national anthem was played, signalling the end of the party.
And the most asked question amongst us -"will we see the big E end of this year?...."
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