70,000 EXPECTED AT PM’S RAYA DO

Guests to be treated to traditional Pahang food

T.N. ALAGESH

PEKAN alagesh@nst.com.my

EXCITEMENT is in the air as residents gear up for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in the constituency, hosted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, at Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar here today.

Expected to attract some 70,000 people from several districts and neighbouring states, the event has been described as “not to be missed”.

Guests will be treated to traditional delicacies, such as rendang Pekan, satay, laksa Pahang and the popular dessert, puding raja (royal pudding).

The open house, to be held from 10am to 3pm, will see comedians and artistes entertaining guests.

Factory worker Jamaluddin Rashid, 39, said he had never missed the annual event and looked forward to meeting the prime minister.

“The event is an opportunity for the people to be closer with the nation’s leader.

“In the past, the prime minister even stopped by the cendol stall to help prepare the dessert for visitors.

“Many people are looking forward to the event to express support for the prime minister.”

Pekan Umno Social Media Bureau head Mohd Zaidin Mohamad, who is also the publicity chairman for the event, said some 100 caterers would serve food at 200 booths.

“Caterers will prepare Pahang food, which is famous in the districts here as guests from outside the district, including the Klang Valley, will attend the event.

“Some 500 tables have been prepared for the guests, and parking areas have been identified not far from the venue. This will make it easy for guests to park their vehicles and walk,” he said.

Zaidin said Najib and Rosmah were expected to arrive at the event about 10.30am.

Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah, Regent of Pahang Tengku Mahkota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and his wife Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah are expected to arrive at noon.