By Phubieyas Ahmad
PUTRAJAYA, April 14, The air buzzed with the joyous sounds of Hari Raya, a symphony of laughter and warm greetings that echoed through Sri Satria on a lively Sunday night.
The sweet aroma of traditional delicacies like lemang and satay mingled with the excited chatter of over 22,000 visitors.
What made this gathering at Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s open house truly special was the incredible mix of faces – people from all walks of life, representing the beautiful multi-racial spirit of Malaysia, all coming together to share in the festive spirit.
From the moment the gates opened, a steady stream of guests arrived, a testament to the unifying power of Hari Raya.
You’d see families dressed in their finest traditional attire alongside others in more casual wear, the variety of their backgrounds adding a rich flavour to the celebration. Children, their eyes wide with anticipation, clutched at the hands of their parents, eager to partake in the festivities.
Zahid, resplendent in a mustard yellow baju melayu, and his wife, Datin Seri Hamidah Khamis, warmly welcomed each guest, embodying the spirit of open house. They moved through the crowd, shaking hands, sharing smiles, and pausing for countless photos, creating moments of genuine connection with people from every corner of the nation.
The presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, along with other dignitaries like Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Umno youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, underscored the significance of the occasion.
Yet, the focus remained on the people – the everyday Malaysians who came together in the spirit of unity and celebration. Foreign diplomats also joined in, experiencing firsthand the warmth and inclusivity of Malaysian culture.
A heartwarming highlight of the evening was the distribution of duit raya. While 25 children from a local welfare home received special packets of festive money, the generosity extended to many other children present, their delighted squeals adding to the joyful atmosphere. This simple act of giving resonated deeply, embodying the core values of sharing and compassion that define Hari Raya.
The culinary spread was a delicious reflection of Malaysia’s rich heritage, with everyone enjoying the communal sharing of lemang, satay served on practical plastic plates, and a colourful array of traditional sweets. The air was further enlivened by captivating cultural performances and the vibrant sounds of talented artists. Datuk Jamal Abdillah’s soulful voice filled the air, while Hael Husaini brought a contemporary vibe.
Nadeera Azmi, Wany Hasrita, Ara Johari, Fauziah Gambus and Junainah M Amin each added their unique flair to the evening’s entertainment.
Around 9.30 pm, the night sky burst into a colourful display of fireworks, a shared moment of wonder and delight for all the attendees. Even the spiritually uplifting melodies of Atu and Ustaz Afad from Raihan contributed to the harmonious atmosphere throughout the evening.
As the Sunday night continued, the festive spirit remained high, a beautiful testament to the heart of Hari Raya – a time for togetherness, forgiveness, and the celebration of unity in diversity.
The open house at Sri Satria wasn’t just an event; it was a vibrant example of Malaysian harmony, where people from all walks of life could come together as one.
- TNS NEWS