OPEN HOUSES PROMOTE UNITY AMONG LEADERS AND PEOPLE

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH
metrose@thestar.com.my

TANGKAK: Muslims in Johor should be grateful for the peace and harmonious living enjoyed in the country said Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

The peace, harmony, growth and prosperity enjoyed over the years, he added, were achieved through understanding, acceptance and cooperation among all the races.

“This was seen at every open house hosted by leaders during festive seasons and it proved that the country was peaceful.

“If we compare Malaysia with some Muslim countries in other parts of the world today, we are a lot better than them.

“We can host open houses to celebrate our festive seasons and thousands come,” he said at his Hari Raya Puasa open house in Sungai Mati.

Special guests: Abdul Ghani (second from left) and his wife Prof Jamilah Ariffin with Dr Chua and Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Chua Tee Yong at the open house.

 

Abdul Ghani, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Paduka Prof Jamilah Ariffin, said the open house concept had been a tradition in the country.

He added that the concept should also be protected and promoted as it brings all races together and enhanced greater understanding and cooperation among the people.

The event, he said, also brought the leaders and the people together and enabled those who had problems to tell their leaders.

The Mentri Besar added that he was surprised to receive a villager with no legs, Tee Chin Khoon, 54, from Serom at the function.

Tee took the opportunity to inform him about some problems and was referred to Ledang district officer Abdul Han Ramin.

Abdul Ghani urged all leaders to continue to host open houses during festive seasons in order for people to get to know them.

Among the visitors were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Chua Tee Yong, Muar MIC chairman Tan Sri G. Pasamanikam and state-secretary Datuk Obet Tawil.

At least 15,000 people, including many from outside Johor, came to the open house which began at 9am and lasted until 3pm.

SOURCE: THE STAR, AUG 24, 2012