KUALA LUMPUR – After two years of muted Hari Raya celebrations shackled by strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), this year’s festivities could not have been more eagerly awaited by local politicians, as is the case with other Malaysians.
The opportunity to finally reunite with relatives and friends in larger-scaled gatherings was very much welcomed by lawmakers across the divide.
Several MPs and assemblymen that The Vibes spoke to have also expressed plans to hold open houses for their voters, a tradition long practiced during the annual celebration following the conclusion of the Ramadan holy month.
Amanah secretary-general Datuk Mohd Hatta Md Ramli said the easing of restrictions this year should be capitalised on by Malaysians, most of whom might have been unable to properly celebrate Hari Raya in the previous two years due to lockdowns and SOPs.
However, the Lumut MP called on those celebrating to take their own precautionary measures, including wearing face masks and regularly sanitising their hands, particularly when visiting high-risk individuals.
Hatta, who currently resides with his family in Kuala Lumpur, said he would be spending the first couple of days of Raya in the city centre before returning to his constituency of Lumut in Perak.
“My family members are all in Kuala Lumpur, so it is only right for me to spend time with them here, after two years of subdued and restricted celebrations.
“We, like many Malaysians, have also lost a family member to Covid-19. So the priority is to be together this year.”
For constituents eager to meet him, Hatta said he would be holding a couple of open houses in the coming weeks, one in his hometown for neighbours and friends, and another at the parliamentary level.
Umno secretary-general and Pontian MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said he would be holding an open house on May 7 at Rumah Citra Sri Pinang in Benut, Johor, for his voters, describing it as an opportunity for them to get together.
Muslims in Malaysia were forced to scale down on their last two Hari Raya celebrations after the Covid-19 outbreak, which began in early 2020, and saw the government imposing restrictions on movement.
The country’s transition towards endemicity has now seen travel curbs lifted, with Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin also recently announcing the lifting of outdoor mask mandates and mandatory MySejahtera check-ins.
It’s a merry Raya, but safety’s vital too
For DAP’s Ketari assemblyman Young Syefura Othman, to be able to finally gather and properly celebrate Hari Raya with her family and in-laws comes as a huge relief. She said that she is as excited as every other citizen is over this year’s celebration.
“I think everyone is definitely looking forward to Raya, and with the relaxation of SOPs, I’m certain it will be as merry as during the pre-pandemic period,” she said.
Young Syefura said she has also already made plans to hold Hari Raya events for her constituents in Pahang, but has yet to finalise a date.
Although it is not compulsory, the lawmaker said it is advisable for those planning to pay a visit to their relatives and friends to conduct self-tests beforehand to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Kapar MP Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid similarly promised voters that he would be holding an open house this year after two gloomy years of spending Hari Raya under lockdown.
“I think all of us felt that the Hari Raya mood wasn’t existent these past couple of years, what more with movement restrictions and people succumbing to the virus.
“This year will be the first time in three we will be truly celebrating. I can already feel the festive mood in the air,” he said, while urging the public not to compromise on safety measures. – The Vibes, May 2, 2022
