By Syahhira Hady & Margaret Ringgit
KUCHING: Ever since the COVID-19 hit the state, this year’s was the first proper Hari Raya celebration when Sarawakians from overseas were able to return home following the reopening of the borders.
With this, members of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya.
Despite the joy of celebrating, they also reminded the public to continue to adhere to the more relaxed COVID-19 standard operating procedure (SOPs) to keep the disease at bay.
Here are some of their Hari Raya wishes.
Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil
My wife and I and my family wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Maaf Zahir Batin! With the concluded 12th State Election, it is time for us to reconcile our differences and move on together as “Satu Bangsa Sarawak” and continue to live harmoniously, respect one another and unite in peace so that we can work together and bring about the desired development agenda in the best interest of our people and our beloved “Land of the Hornbills”.
On this auspicious occasion, let us not forget our sacred duty of observing the necessary SOPs so that we can together curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these challenges, let us be guided by our respective faith and move on with our normal life with even more vigour so that we can achieve our dream of making Sarawak into a high income developed state by 2030.
Datuk Janang Bungsu
I wish all our Muslims friends ‘Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin’. May this Hari Raya be celebrated with gratitude as this is the first Raya that we can celebrate after more than two years since the pandemic.
I also want to congratulate all Muslims for successfully completing the fasting month despite all the challenges.
I hope this spirit continues as we celebrate this festivity so that all Sarawakians will be able to achieve more. Let peace, joy and harmony continue to be celebrated amongst us and wish each of us prosperity.
Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah
In conjunction with Hari Raya this year, I would like to sincerely convey Happy Eid al-Fitr greetings. I pray that all of us are always in the care of God Almighty, blessed with the sustenance of age, health, strength and persistence so that we may continue to spread love, honesty, and sincerely ask for and offer forgiveness to our loved ones, and our comrades in the field of welfare and community services that we cherish.
I hope that this year’s Hari Raya Idul Fitri will give us new spirit, strength and commitment to serve together to help realise our social development agenda of a prosperous, harmonious, happy and dignified society by 2030
Adam Yii Siew Sang
On behalf of Miri City Council, I would like to wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya Puasa dan Aidil Fitri. During this coming festive occasion, please stay safe and continue observing the SOPs such as maintaining social distance and wearing of face masks while at public places and crowded areas.
Datuk Idris Buang
I would like to wish all Sarawakians and Malaysians in general ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Maaf Zahir dan Batin!’ I hope that Sarawak will be more excellent in terms of its economic and financial strength than ever before.
May all our efforts be blessed by God by reaping the results of progress and development that is more robust and full of dynamics in all fields.
I hope our achievements in all areas will make Sarawak a healthy and fertile region for strategic investment even more so when we are the most successful state which can endure the constraints and pressures of the COVID-19.
Datuk Snowdan Lawan
The much awaited celebration is here just as the fasting month comes toward the end. We have persevered over the pandemic and our Muslims friends have endured over the fasting month.
Here, me and my family are sending our best wishes and warmest greetings to all Cabinet colleagues, friends, relatives and associates who are celebrating this auspicious occasion.
May this festive season fill your household with joy, prosperity and that you continue to touch new heights and succeed in achieving your goals in your life. Wishing you all Selamat Hari Raya 2022, Maaf Zahir dan Batin
Datuk Henry Harry Jinep
I would like to wish Muslims who are celebrating Hari Raya ‘Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin!’ Hopefully this celebration will continue to be celebrated with joy among families even though we still need to adhere to the COVID-19 SOPs. We must be careful and vigilant at all times, taking care of ourselves, family as well as our loved ones. Let’s not be complacent and abide by the SOP set. I believe Sarawakians care about their own health and those around them.
Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew
On behalf of SUPP, we would like to wish all Muslims ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Dengan ingatan tulus ikhlas, maaf zahir dan batin’. May the joy of this festive season light your life with love, peace, and hope.
This year’s celebration is different as we are now in the new norm of living with COVID-19 and with our borders reopened allowing families from overseas to come back to celebrate the festival together.
As such, we thank all Sarawakians for doing their part in taking the two vaccination doses and booster shot because this allows us to reopen our borders and restart the economy earlier compared to other countries.
To many Sarawakians who have been away since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s celebration is going to be extra special.
However, we must continue to be mindful of COVID-19 as it is still around. We must continue to adhere to the SOPs approved by SDMC for festival celebration.
