KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Sunday attended the Chinese Lunar New Year open house hosted by the largest ethnic Chinese political party in this country.

A smiling Badawi in blue batik shirt turned up Sunday morning in the headquarters complex of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) located in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

He shook hands with MCA President Ong Ka Ting, who is also Minister of Housing and Local Government, and exchanged greetings with delegates and guests of multi-racial backgrounds, accompanied by the cheerful sound of gongs and drums.

The prime minister also gave "red envelops" to the lion dance performers, in accordance with the customs of the Chinese lunar new year, or called "spring festival" in China and by many overseas Chinese.

Earlier this week, Badawi delivered a Chinese New Year massage through local press, extending festival greetings to all Malaysians.

"Malaysians are fortunate to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in a peaceful, friendly and joyous atmosphere," said Badawi, adding Malaysians have reason to cheer as the economic prospect appears bullish in the Year of Boar.

He also reminded the people that Malaysians should be proud of the uniqueness of the nation with its diversity of races, cultures and religions and celebrate the diversity as a combined strength.

The MCA complex on Sunday was brimming with a joyous festival atmosphere. Many other government officials, delegates of various parties in this country, ambassadors and diplomatic envoys based in Malaysia and Malaysian people from various circles gathered there to celebrate the lunar new year, the most important festival for Chinese communities all over the world.