A group of artists will be inviting Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to a street festival where he is expected to light lanterns with the people and pray for the preservation of old buildings along Jalan Sultan.

NONE Petaling Street Community Art Project deputy director Chong Keat Ann said at a press conference yesterday that the invitation would be sent by post and also to the premier’s recently- launched ‘Ah Jib Gor’ (brother Najib) Chinese Facebook page.

The festival will be held on Sunday between 8pm and midnight to symbolically light up the hopes of businessmen and residents in the area, whom the organisers say are heart-broken because they may be celebrating their last Chinese New Year before making way for the mass rapid transit (MRT) project.

The event will be celebrated with lanterns placed along a 200-metre stretch covering Jalan Sultan and the adjoining Jalan Hang Jebat, from Lok Ann Hotel just outside Petaling Street’s gateway, to the Gospel Hall Church.

15th day of Chinese New Year

According to a statement, the idea was inspired by the Chinese tradition of hanging lanterns laden with riddles to be solved on the 15th day of Chinese New Year.

In addition, the event is slated to feature art installations, calligraphy, music and dance performances. Thus far, 15 groups and individuals have signed up to participate in the show.

The move follows a historical tour around the Jalan Sultan and Jalan Bukit Bintang areas earlier yesterday, and an arts festival organised by the group in protest against the MRT project on Sept 16, last year.