GEORGE TOWN – Celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri in the new normal may be gloomy, but necessary to keep Covid-19 at bay.
This is the belief of Penang politicians, who, leading by example, stayed home this festive season instead of visiting friends and relatives, bringing over delicacies to share, and distributing duit raya in green packets.
Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman told The Vibes that his Raya celebration was rather dull due to the no-visiting rule.
“The thing I miss most are Raya prayers at the local mosque. Before Covid-19, everyone could attend the prayers, but they’re only for a selected few this time around.
“There was nothing special, only Zoom calls with my children and their families.”
For Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, there was no exchange of kuih raya, or distribution of duit raya to children this year.
“Traditionally, we would celebrate Raya with family and visit one another, or gather at a particular house.
“This is the second year we’re celebrating Raya at home, without a family gathering.
“Of course, it is a little bit boring, but we need to keep ourselves safe,” he said, adding that he held a Zoom session with his four children, who are residing in Tasmania and Perth in Australia, and Kuala Lumpur.
“We pray to God for all of us to be free from this pandemic.
“Let’s put all our efforts into flattening the curve, and please, don’t forget to pray for those in Gaza who are under Israeli oppression.”
As if being stuck indoors during the festival is not enough, Seri Delima assemblyman Syerleena Abdul Rashid fell ill.
“I am still recovering from fever, which hit me on Raya eve.
“But usually, for Raya, I would drive to Kedah to spend a few days with my family. They moved there a few years ago to retire in a quieter place. My brother, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, would drive back, too.
“However, it has been two Raya seasons since we were able to spend time together like that. It doesn’t feel like Raya at all.
“I understand how most Malaysians feel.”
She urged everyone to be patient as the battle to contain the coronavirus continues. – The Vibes, May 15, 2021
