BEAUFORT: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharram said he did not host an open house for Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year as a mark of respect for the people, particularly in Lumadan, who were affected by the recent floods.
He expressed deep sympathy for those who had experienced flooding six times the past month.
“Flood victims are facing numerous problems, especially in terms of economic hardship, while their homes have suffered damage that requires a long time to clean and repair.
“The people are currently busy tidying up their homes, and many have lost valuable possessions due to the disaster. We sincerely sympathise with them,” he said.
He emphasised that it would be inappropriate to celebrate Hari Raya by hosting an open house in an area recently struck by disaster while the people were still struggling with its aftermath.
However, his home remained open to anyone who wishes to celebrate Hari Raya.
Meanwhile, Sipitang Umno Division Chief Abd Rahman Mohd Nuh said Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time to unite all communities, regardless of religion, while setting aside political differences.
According to him, apart from being a celebration for Muslims, Hari Raya also serves as a platform for unity and mutual understanding within the community. It is an opportunity to prevent division.
He said this when met during the second-day Hari Raya Open House at his residence in Kampung Mesapol on Tuesday.
The presence of people from various ethnic groups, including the Lundayeh, Chinese, Kedayan, Brunei and Murut, reflects the strong culture of mutual respect that remains prevalent in Sabah, particularly in Sipitang.
“As we can see, many political leaders also attended this event. This proves that there is no division when it comes to unity,” he said.
Among the leaders present were Ruslan, Sipitang PBRS Division Chief Pius Ganang and PKR leader Wendy Agung Baruh.
“This unity must be preserved and maintained. We should not allow it to be easily broken or dismantled because the people are watching what we do,” he stressed.
Abd Rahman, who is also the Chairman of Giat Mara Sipitang, highlighted that misunderstandings bring no benefit and only harm the people.
“At gatherings like this, we can sit together, chat amicably while enjoying a meal and temporarily set aside political differences. What matters most is maintaining harmony among the people,” he added.
Also present were Sipitang Umno Deputy Chief Datuk Jowany Salleh, as well as the leaders of the Sipitang Umno Women, Youth and Puteri movements.
