KUCHING: Organising open houses during the festive seasons is a tradition for everyone in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak.
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, when met by reporters, said it is a way to foster close ties with the community.
He said everyone, from leaders down to the community, will organise open houses for the purpose of getting closer to their families and friends.
“With that said, it is not just a tradition for Muslims, but for other races as well to celebrate the festive seasons such as Gawai Dayak, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.
“Everyone organises open houses as a way to build friendship and foster close ties.“This is important in Sarawak as it maintains unity,” he said during his Hari Raya open house at Dewan Datuk Merpati Jepang, Satok today (Apr 23).
Ibrahim pointed out that it doesn’t matter which race or religion you come from, the people of Sarawak are committed to maintaining the culture of being together (during festive seasons), and that is important to establish unity and harmony.
Among the first guests to visit Ibrahim’s open house was Federal Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Minister for Modernization of Agriculture and Regional Development Martin Ben, together with their delegation.
In addition, Tribune Press Sdn Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Jeniri Amir also led a delegation from Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune to Ibrahim’s open house.
The delegation included Suara Sarawak executive editor Rohana Wahed, New Sarawak Tribune managing editor Aden Nagrace, New Sarawak Tribune executive editor Harry Julin, and Corporate Business Development senior manager Dorge Rajah.
