RANAU: More than 2,000 people visited the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House, Sabah State Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, which was also attended by distinguished guests at the Ranau Community Hall on Saturday.
Among the dignitaries were Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Ranau MP, Datuk Jonathan Yasin, Assistant Minister of JKR, Datuk Robert Tawik, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir.
Also present were former Ranau MP, Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin, Chairman of Ranau Hakka Association cum President of Ranau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Datuk Jimmy Tham Yuk Leong.
Masidi, who is also the Karanaan Assemblyman, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to those present.
“This kind of event is the best space and opportunity for the people to establish and nurture the spirit of Masyarakat Madani.
“A place for relatives and friends to strengthen friendship without distinguishing their race, religion and political ideology. It is also the main basis for fostering unity among people of multiple races, religions and their political ideologies,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jonathan said the age-old custom practised by people here of visiting one another during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Pesta Kaamatan, Hari Gawai and others is what unity is all about.
“Being able to live in unity and enjoying the fruit of unity in reality is one of the most wonderful blessings that we inherit in this nation. It is something which the people should be thankful for and do everything to preserve the peace and harmony of our homeland.
“The open house custom that is synonymous with the culture of our people is something special that all Malaysians can be proud of, because, not only does it let one enjoy the true meaning of peace, but it closes down the gap that exists between us.
“The ongoing Raya celebration in the district is giving all quarters to enjoy the company of one another, regardless of the background of others who go along in celebrating the festivity,” he said.
Jonathan said this when officiating the Ranau Parliamentary Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open Houses that was held at the Kundasang Town Centre and attended by hundreds of guests on Sunday.
