DR M TOUCHED BY HUGE TURNOUT
PM regrets not being able to greet everyone, thanks people for support
PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was moved by the overwhelming turnout at the first Pakatan Harapan-led government’s Hari Raya open house on Friday.
Malaysians from all walks of life came in the tens of thousands — forcing Dr Mahathir to apologise for not being able to greet everyone personally.
Some guests arrived at Seri Perdana as early as 7am — two hours before the start of the event — to catch a glimpse of the prime minister.
“Malaysians, regardless of race, turned out today, many in traditional Malay outfits. This reflects the excellent (multiracial) spirit of Malaysians. (It’s) a sign of a good future for the country,” he said to the crowd.
Dr Mahathir said many who shook hands with him thanked him for “saving the country”.
“Some said ‘I love you’! They did not bring (the I Love You, PM placards), but they stood in queue, shook my hands and said ‘I love you’,” he said, which caused guests to roar with laughter.
However, Dr Mahathir was quick to say he was not the only person to “save the country”.
He cited “people power” and thanked those who supported Pakatan Harapan, despite the obstacles placed by the previous government in their path.
Dr Mahathir added that the previous regime “could not even save themselves”.
“This is due to democracy. People are free to choose their government. If it is no longer suitable or is outdated, you need to vote them out. We did not have violence, animosity or war (in the transition of power),” he said.
Clad in his favourite purple baju Melayu, Dr Mahathir joined his guests at 11.20am after Aidilfitri prayers at Masjid Negara here. He was accompanied by Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim.
The prime minister traditionally holds an open house on the first day of Hari Raya. This year, the organisers announced a new rule, which banned guests from taking selfies with Dr Mahathir.
The buffet was served from 9am onwards, comprising char kuey teow, mee goreng mamak, nasi himpit, various types of chicken dishes, rendang and other Malaysian delicacies.
About 20 lambs were roasted in barbecue pits and served alongside the minang rendang.
Guests made a beeline for stalls serving satay and peanut gravy, nasi briyani, dahl, kurma and nan bread. Sweets, cookies and beverages, such as bahulu, kueh lapis, cendol, teh tarik and sirap were also on the menu.
While waiting for Dr Mahathir’s return, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin greeted guests with his wife, Puan Sri Noraini Abdul Rahman. Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was also present.
The open house ended at 4pm.