Salleh keeps alive tradition of Raya visits

KOTA BELUD: Federal Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak yesterday attended several ‘open houses’ in the district in keeping with the tradition of going down to the ground to meet the people during Aidilfitri.

Salleh, who is also the state assemblyman for Usukan, said leaders usually took the opportunity of Aidilfitri to visit the villages to strengthen the bonds with the people.

“Today, I visited several places in Kota Belud by attending the open house. These Aidilfitri visits have been the traditional practice of the leaders here. We strengthen bonds and seek forgiveness,” he said to reporters after attending the Aidilfitri open house at the Pirasan polling district near here.

He had earlier attended the open house in Kampung Suang Sukah, Kuala Abai and Kampung Pengkalan Abai.

Salleh said the people should be thankful that they were able to celebrate Aidilfitri in peace.

“We in Malaysia are a fortunate lot compared to the people in some countries who do not have the opportunity to celebrate the festival in an atmosphere of calm.

“Peace and stability are very important for a country. Which other country practises the ‘ open house’ concept? Only Malaysia does.

“And, those who attend are not just family members, but people of all the various races and religions,” he said. —