Be friendly to non-Muslim guests at open house — Head of State

KOTA KINABALU: Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Mahiruddin has urged Malaysians to always be thankful for all the blessings given by Allah SWT and he reiterated that the government has always been helping those in need.

In his Hari Raya message, Tun Juhar said that Malaysians are very lucky as they are able to celebrate the Aidifitri month peacefully.

Tun Juhar had also stressed that non-Muslim guests at any Hari Raya open house should be treated with due friendliness.

“We will not lose anything because our readiness to maintain a good relationship with our nonMuslim friends will maintain the harmony among the various races in Malaysia.

“This harmony will bring us many benefits including peace that will preserve the welfare and joy of our blessed country.

“We must also remember the contribution by certain parties who have been safeguarding the country’s security and safety. Our security forces are efficient and dedicated. They are professionals who understand the scope of their responsibility. We are able to celebrate Raya peacefully because our security forces are always willing to carry out their job, be it at the sea borders or anywhere else,” Tun Juhar said.

He also reminded the Muslims in the country not to forget their other Muslim brothers and sisters around the world who could not celebrate Aidifitri.

Some of them had to live in fugitive camps, which are in bad condition and they may also be exposed to very harsh cold weather.

Meanwhile, some of them do not even have proper blankets to sleep in and they do not possess the medication that they need.

“In the midst of celebrating Hari Raya, we must also send our well wishes to our friends who were struck with disasters.

“All Muslims and Sabahans alike must stand united. There is no room for hatred among the various races and religions of the state.

“We must be patient in facing trials and we must stand firm.

“Also, be careful when driving. Prioritize safety and remember your loved ones.

“Selamat Hari Raya and may we all celebrate this victorious day with great joy,” Tun Juhar said.

The Head of State will hold a Hari Raya open house at the Istana Negeri this morning.

PKR Sabah chief Christina Liew said in her Hari Raya Aidilfitri message that Sabahans notwithstanding their race, religion and political alliance, live peacefully and harmoniously with each other.

“The harmony and understanding as well as tolerance for each other is clearly seen during the month of Ramadhan. I had attended a few ‘buka puasa’ functions and saw that racial, religion and political differences did not prevent Sabahans from interacting together in harmony and camaraderie,” he said.

Liew expressed hope that the culture will continue into the future.

“It is my hope that Sabahans do not fall prey to extremists who use religious sentiments to threaten the harmony of the people in the state,” she said.

The Api-Api assemblywoman also urged those who would be travelling to their respective home towns to exercise care when on the road.

“On behalf of PKR Sabah, I wish all Muslims in Malaysia, especially those in Sabah Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir Batin,” she said.