Record turnout
Some 80,000 guests turn up to greet PM at Raya open house
Tens of thousands attend Raya open house thrown by PM at Seri Perdana Complex.
PUTRAJAYA: More than a month after Pakatan Harapan swept to victory, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was back at the Prime Minister’s official residence to welcome a huge throng on the first day of Hari Raya.
With the early birds arriving at Seri Perdana Complex three hours ahead of the scheduled start at 10am, the doors to the grounds were thrown open at 9am instead.
By the reception’s end at 4.30pm, some 80,000 guests had walked through its gates to greet the Prime Minister and his Cabinet members.
This was Dr Mahathir’s first Hari Raya open house as Prime Minister since 2002. He first left office in 2003, during Ramadan which fell in October.
Pakatan, led by the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman, broke Barisan Nasional’s 60-year grip on federal power in the 14th General Election.
The man of the moment was received like a rock star when he arrived at 11.20am after completing his prayers at Masjid Negara earlier in the morning.
Donning a baju Melayu in his favourite purple colour, Dr Mahathir stood to shake hands with guests for about 10 minutes before he was given a seat to continue receiving the guests of all races.
His wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali joined him at about noon.
Many who came swelled with pride to meet their “idol”.
In a brief address to the well-wishers, the 93-year-old premier thanked the rakyat for their overwhelming support and apologised profusely for not being able to personally greet everyone.
“I shook hands with about 55,000 visitors. I was afraid my hand would fall off but thank God, I was still able to do so. For the rest, we have to wait for next year’s Hari Raya,” he quipped.
He also assured the people that the Pakatan government will fulfil its promises.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you have voted and crippled the law of tyranny. This time we will enjoy a more comfortable way of life,” he said to thunderous applause.
Dr Mahathir also cheekily said that many who shook hands with him not only thanked him for saving the country, but also told him: “I love you.”
“However, there were no more placards saying I Love PM. They did not bring these,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The Prime Minister admitted that he was not the sole person who saved the country, and thanked the people who supported Pakatan despite the hurdles thrown by the previous government.
Among the dignitaries at the meet-and-greet session were Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik and Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Lim said the event was a display of Malaysian patriotism, and the turnout the largest for any festive open house.
“It comes from their heart and it shows that their love for the country is without bounds,” said Lim.
Loke added: “I even saw some with tears in their eyes when I greeted them. It’s such great joy and togetherness.”
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail arrived and took over from Dr Mahathir at about 12.30pm, along with her husband and PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The people went wild again when they caught sight of Anwar. After a few minutes, both Dr Mahathir and Anwar left for Friday prayers.