[UPDATED] PM extends open house until 6pm today after enthusiastic public response

PUTRAJAYA – Looking at the tremendous public response to this year’s Hari Raya open house celebration at Laman Sari, Seri Perdana Complex today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had extended the festivities up to 6pm.

“Assalamualaikum, today’s Open House will be extended until 6 in the evening, under the instructions of the prime minister to give an opportunity for the public (to attend)...

“To those who have not visited, you are more than welcome to,” an aide to Ismail announced to his office’s media group on WhatsApp.

Thousands of people from across the nation thronged the prime minister’s inaugural Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house, with some from out of state arriving as early as 5 in the morning.

When the gates opened at 9.30am, people from all walks of life dressed in their Raya best were patiently queuing up for at least 500m to enter the premises.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah made an appearance, accompanied by Ismail Sabri and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, and was greeted by cheers and applause from the crowd.

The event also saw the attendance of cabinet members including Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, who said the massive crowd at the event signifies the spirit of unity among Malaysians.

“The impressive reception for our open house today translates to a strong feeling of togetherness among the people.

“We have always prided ourselves for being a plural society and this event is a celebration of our unique multiculturalism,” he told reporters here, pointing to visitors of various ethnicities.

Similarly, Higher Education Minister Datuk Noraini Ahmad said she is pleased with the turnout today, praising Ismail Sabri for his decision to host an open house this year.

“Many people that I spoke with were outstation visitors. Some had arrived here as early as 5am, despite the open house only starting at 10am.

“They told me that they wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate Hari Raya after the easing of restrictions.”

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Affairs) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said he expected such public enthusiasm since Malaysians were restricted from celebrating over the last two years.

“It is still early in the day, the weather is good and it looks like the crowd will exceed the estimated 70,000 as many more are coming.”

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar were also in attendance.

Besides that, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique, and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri also showed up to greet guests and hand out Raya packets.

Also present were Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Mohd Harun as well as Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.

Themed “Raya Keluarga Malaysia, Syawal Dirai, Nikmat Disyukuri”, this is the first open house hosted by Ismail Sabri after he was appointed prime minister on August 20, 2021.

The last time it was held was on June 5, 2019, in Seri Perdana and was hosted by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. – The Vibes, May 8, 2022