MCA has invited Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak for its Chinese New Year open house.

This would be the BN component party's first Chinese New Year as part of the opposition coalition since its inception in 1949.

According to Oriental Daily News, MCA secretary-general Chew Mei Fun said invitations have been sent to both BN and Pakatan Harapan leaders.

Apart from Mahathir, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and current cabinet members, including MCA's fiercest opponents from DAP, have also been invited.

The open house would be held at the MCA's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 5, the first day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Mahathir had led the BN coalition from 1981 to 2003, where a total of four MCA presidents served in his cabinet during his first tenure as prime minister.

In the last general election, Mahathir, 93, led the Pakatan Harapan coalition to dislodge the Najib-helmed BN from power.

Meanwhile, Chew said Harapan leaders have yet to respond to the open house invitation.

She added that it was important not to politicise the festive season and everyone should celebrate it together.

The Prime Minister's Office told Malaysiakini that Mahathir would be attending a Chinese New Year celebration at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCIM) on the second day (Feb 6) together with Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng.

“So far there is nothing (on the itinerary) for the first day of Chinese New Year,” added the PMO.