Continue holding festive open house — Ting
MIRI: Sarawakians must continue the tradition of holding open house during various festivities like what is being practised during Hari Raya where those from other communities pay a visit to their Muslim friends.
“This festive open house visits help to ehnance unity and harmony among the people of various racial, cultural and religious backgrounds in Sarawak,” said SUPP secretary general Datuk Sebastian Ting yesterday.
He told reporters this during his Raya visit to the residence of Penghulu Samion Gani at Piasau Jaya Phase II here, adding Malaysia in general and Sarawak in particular are blessed as despite our diverse backgrounds, we are able to enjoy the Raya celebration in the spirit of togetherness.
“The spirit of unity among Sarawakians since the days of our forefathers through visits to celebrants’ houses during Raya, Christmas and Chinese New Year must be upheld by the younger generation, “Ting told The Borneo Post.
Also present during the visit were Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Ketua Kaum Abdul Rahman and SUPP Senadin and Piasau members.
According to Ting, Sarawakians must continue to uphold the spirit of Hari Raya which emphasises togetherness, cooperation among the various communities to ensure harmony is maintained. He said Raya celebration offers a venue to renew ties with families and friends apart from seeking forgiveness from one another.
“In Sarawak, we have been holding open houses where we welcome everyone regardless of race or religion during the feastive season even before the formation of Malaysia which shows the uniqueness of Sarawak and its people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Lee who is also SUPP Senadin chairman said that every year the tradition of visiting Muslims during Hari Raya in Sarawak is a good opportunity to strengthen unity among the people of various religions and races.
“This makes Sarawak very unique where people regardless of their background, strengthen their friendship during Raya and other celebrations here, “Lee said, adding this strenghtened unity and harmony.
He said he has family members married to Muslims and other faiths. He was also brought up in a Malay village in the outskirts of Miri where the people practise tolerance and harmonious living.
“We must continue with this tradition and pass it down to the younger generation so that the spirit of Raya continues to flourish,” he added.