Anwar’s last visit to Wisma MCA was in early 1998. Later that year, he was sacked from the Cabinet and Umno, over allegations of corruption and sodomy.

“I am very pleased to be back at (Wisma) MCA after 25 years and to meet my old friends,” he told reporters.

“I was fired from Umno and then imprisoned, so I couldn’t attend any (MCA) events. But now I can,” he quipped, adding that his friendship with MCA leaders is still strong despite their differences in opinion over the years.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman arrived at Wisma MCA dressed to the nines in red batik. He was accompanied by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Upon his arrival, Anwar was greeted by MCA president Wee Ka Siong and other top MCA leaders.

Anwar wished everyone “Happy Chinese New Year” and thanked Wee for the invitation.

Others who were present to greet the PKR president were Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan and PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil.

Zahid said Anwar’s presence at Wisma MCA after 25 years was a good sign in the new political landscape.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan, Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing, and China ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing were also present for the festivities.

Anwar and the other guests of honour took part in the prosperity toast (yee sang) before being entertained with a lion dance performance.