PKR's 'RM2.6b ang pow' up for grabs

Although most Malaysians will never have RM2.6 billion in their bank accounts, PKR has come up with a cheeky festive gimmick that may inspire future billionaires.

Come this Chinese New Year, PKR will be selling red envelopes with the words "twenty six hundred million" (2.6 billion) in big, bold, gold Chinese characters.

On the back, the envelope reads: "Huat (prosper) more than Ah Ji."

Although PKR is not including any money inside, the envelopes can be used as ang pow to wish others prosperity and good health during the Chinese New Year.

According to PKR Youth deputy strategic director Chua Wei Kiat, the special red packet design was very meaningful because this was an election year.

"We hope everyone gets the message and help bring change," he told a press conference today.

This privilege does not come free. A pack of 25 ang pow, which is only being sold online at present, will set one back RM20.

Chua explained that the exercise was part of the party's fundraising efforts.

However, if one prefers a free "political" ang pow, one has the choice of ordering some from Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's Chinese Facebook page.

The red ang pow comes in six designs, featuring Najib dining with people of different races with the theme "Every ethnic group can create glory if they come together. Multi-ethnic collaboration will make the country prosper."

Although this is free, one has to give their phone number and e-mail address in the online form to have it delivered.

But perhaps the most elaborate of the lot are those from DAP, which is selling a festive gift pack featuring intricate artwork by Kelantanese artist Koo Yean Ni articulating Pakatan Harapan's main policies.

The gift pack, being sold online for RM28, includes a poster, a reusable bag and the customary red ang pow packets – although these are technically yellow.- Mkini