‘Gangnam style’ Chinese New Year do will draw tourists to Penang, says CM

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 4 — Barisan Nasional’s (BN) Chinese New Year celebration here next week featuring the “Oppa Gangnam Style” star Psy will draw in tourists from Thailand and other states, said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

“He is sure to attract a lot of tourists from Thailand and other states and Penang will become more famous,” said Lim(picture).

He said this year’s Chinese New Year celebration in the state will be even bigger due to Psy’s appearance.

“The first time Psy comes to Malaysia and he comes to Penang, so once again Penang leads,” he said.

He reiterated his call to Penang folk to attend the celebration but to wear yellow for Bersih, red for Penang and green for the environment.

“Everyone should go to the event as there’s free food and free show for everyone,” he said.

BN’s Chinese New Year celebration is expected to draw up to 60,000 people.

Korean singer Psy, whose real name is Park Jae-Sang, is best known for his Internet hit song “Oppa Gangnam Style”.

He is set to perform on February 11 at the Han Chiang grounds, the same venue that launched the DAP to victory in the state in Election 2008.

It was reported that bringing the K-pop sensation to Penang for the celebration will boost BN’s chances of winning back the state.

According to BN sources, Penang BN is sure of winning 18 seats but is eyeing five more in Election 2013.

In Election 2008, the coalition only managed to retain 11 seats out of 40 state seats, losing the state to Pakatan Rakyat.

“If BN is so certain of winning the 18 seats, then tell us which 18 seats?” Lim asked.

“If they think they can sway voters by bringing Psy over, I say, let the people decide,” he said.

Pakatan Rakyat’s mandate in Penang expires on May 2, four days after the BN’s federal government mandate ends and Lim has said he will dissolve the state assembly once the prime minister calls for election.