ORPHANS and tahfiz groups were among the sea of guests at the Hari Raya open house hosted by Umno Pagoh division at the Seri Pekembar Complex here recently.
The open house feted a 20,000-strong crowd who came from Pagoh and its surrounding areas.
Deputy Prime Minister’s political secretary Datuk Tahir Mohd Taat said the annual event was a way for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Umno executive councillors to show their gratitude to the people for their support.
It was also a platform for them to foster better ties with the common folk.
“We are hosting the open house for only half a day to show our respects for the victims of MH17.
“The open house is being held on a moderate scale as a mark of respect not only for the victims but for the family of the passengers and crew on board,” he said.
Duit raya was also distributed to the 253 children from the orphanages in Pagoh and two tahfiz groups from Sekolah Tahfiz Kampung Parit Sawah and SK Kampung Bukit Pasir.
Twenty-three stalls offered the guests an assortment of Raya delicacies such as mee bandung, mee rebus, rendang, ketupat, lodeh, apam balik, nasi bariani gam, sirap bandung and fruits.
Muhyiddin, who is also the party deputy president, and his wife Datin Seri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, were present at the function.
Also there were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Works Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor, Johor Baru MP Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.