A subdued Raya this time...
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2014
Kuala Lumpur: The downing of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 aircraft in Donetsk, east Ukraine, has more or less affected Muslims in the country.Although Aidilfitri is being celebrated in three days, the sadness lingers and has toned down the excitement of the festive season.Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman earlier announced that the Sabah State Cabinet 2014 Hari Raya Aidilfitri had been cancelled out of respect for those who perished in the MH17 crash as did other state governments..ADVERTISEMENT "I wish to extend my heartfelt condolence to the families of the victims."The nation is mourning over this tragic incident. While we usher in the first of Syawal this year, it is only appropriate that we do it in moderation during this difficult time," he had said.For media personnel who often face assignments on such tragedies, the incident has tugged their emotions. "As a journalist, I was shocked when I heard what happened...I worked more than 24 hours on the day it happened and it was so sad," said Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) broadcast journalist Nor Liyana Zulkifli, 27.ADVERTISEMENT Berita Harian journalist from Kelantan, Nor Fazlina Abdul Rahim, 28, said although she was not directly involved in covering the tragedy as she was stationed in Kelantan, she felt sad and not as excited to celebrate Aidilfitri."Media personnel anywhere would feel the same, and we pray that the bodies are sent back safely," she said.
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Actress Emylia Rosnaida Abdul Hamid, 37, who shared similar sentiments, said the incident affected her as she was once a MAS crew for five years, beginning 1990."Although the vicims are not related to me, it saddens me and my family and I will celebrate Aidilfitri moderately, out of respect for the victims," she said. Emylia said she still found it hard to believe what had happened and hoped family members of the victims remained strong.Freelance photographer from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Nazri Muhammad, 28, described Aidilfitri this year as "melancholy for me"."During a time when Muslims count the days to celebrate, there are families out there who are grieving the loss of loved ones...I feel sad looking at their sad faces and condition on the TV screen...I feel Aidilfitri is gloomy this year," he said.Retired civil servant Johor Mohd Jaafar, 56, said as a father, he could not bear the sadness."I feel sad...looking at the crashed (remains of the) aircraft and the bodies...I can only pray and hope the victims arrive for burial before Aidilfitri," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
The Boeing 777-200 aircraft was on its way to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam when it crashed last Thursday. The flight carrying 298 people - 283 passengers and 15 crew - was believed to have been shot down.