KUCHING: Holding open houses during festive seasons is a tradition in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak.
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, when met by reporters, said it is a way to foster close ties with the community.
He said everyone, from leaders down to the community, will hold open houses for the purpose of getting closer to their families and friends.
“That said, it is not just a tradition among Muslims, but for other races as well to celebrate festive seasons such as Gawai Dayak, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
“Everyone holds open houses to build friendship and foster close ties.This is important in Sarawak as it maintains unity,” he said during his Hari Raya open house at Dewan Datuk Merpati Jepang, Satok on Sunday (Apr 23).
Towards this end Ibrahim pointed out that regardless of race or religion, the people of Sarawak are committed to maintaining the culture of being together, and that this is important to establish unity and harmony.
Among the first guests to visit Ibrahim’s open house was Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Martin Ben.
In addition, Tribune Press Sdn Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Jeniri Amir also led a group from Suara Sarawak and New Sarawak Tribune to Ibrahim’s open house.
It included Suara Sarawak executive editor Rohana Wahed, New Sarawak Tribune managing editor Aden Nagrace, New Sarawak Tribune executive editor Harry Julin, and Corporate Business Development senior manager Dorge Rajah.
