Baru: Preserve open house tradition

Baru Bian

KUCHING, June 4: Festivals celebrated in Malaysia will continue to serve as a platform to unite its multi-racial and multi-religious communities.

Minister of Works Baru Bian, thus, encouraged the people to continue the practice of visiting one another, not only between close friends but also between neighbours and acquaintances.

“This practice will further expand friendship ties and will definitely strengthen the bond between us,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message today.

Baru said he was confident this year’s Hari Raya would be fully used to gel ties among the people, irrespective of political affiliations.

“So, go visiting! The homes of our friends celebrating are always open.

“I still remember in my school days at SMK Limbang, together with my friends, we will walk to the houses of our friends celebrating Aidilfitri, not only to make merrier the celebration but to get acquainted with the hosts and families we visited.

“Even though we did not know each other, their hospitality was warm and welcoming, and we were treated to an array of delicious food and cakes,” he shared.

Baru hoped the friendship fostered through the celebration would continue to prosper — with a solid unity, the people would continue to help build and develop the country.

“May Allah bless us all, and we pray for the joy and happiness of Aidilfitri for all Muslims in the country. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir Batin,” he said. — DayakDaily