Why white instead of red?

Red colour is always used for decoration during events held to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Red tablecloth is used while red packets, commonly known as ang pow, are distributed to children and senior citizens. However, Malay rights group Perkasa had recently used white tablecloth and distributed white packets during its Chinese New Year Open House at the Sultan Sulaiman Club in Kampung Baru, sparking condemnation from the public as white colour is used by the Chinese only during funerals.

Was it an intentional move or unintentional mistake due to the lack of understanding of Chinese taboo?

Based on Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali's records, many remain sceptical even after they have explained and apologised.

White ‘ang pow’ nothing to do with govt, says Najib

According to the prime minister, the incident can be used as a social experience.

The use of white envelopes along with the customary “ang pow” red packets at Perkasa’s Chinese New Year gathering last Sunday has nothing to do with the government, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

He said leader of the NGO, Ibrahim Ali, is an independent member of parliament. Perkasa is a Malay right-wing group.