KUALA TERENGGANU: Be grateful for the food on your table, the peace and harmony, and the freedom to move about safely in Malaysia.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman reminded the people that unlike many other countries that were in turmoil, Malaysians enjoyed a better quality of life and were able to enjoy festivities without fear.
“Many of our Muslim neighbours, near and far, are without food and shelter, and are living in fear from civil unrest and war.
“We, on the other hand, are very fortunate to live in a country like Malaysia,” he said in his Hari Raya Puasa address to some 20,000 guests at his official residence Seri Iman in Batu Burok today.
Present were his wife Toh Puan Halina Zakaria, state secretary Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail, state legislative speaker Datuk Zubir Embong and state executive councilors.
Razif said the people should not forget the less fortunate, and advised them to treat the poor to food and beverages during the festive season.
“Let bygones be bygones and do not let negative issues sour the festive mood.
“Also, be careful when driving long distances. Do not rush as speed can kill and spoil your celebration with your loved ones,” he said.
Razif and Halina handed out duit raya to children, while guests were feted to over 500 types of food including laksam, lemang, ketupat, tapai pulut, sate, nasi dagang, nasi minyak, keropok goreng, kambing bakar and an assortment of cakes and biscuits.
There were also open houses hosted by Wan Nawawi and the uncle of the Terengganu ruler, Tengku Sri Paduka Raja Datuk Tengku Ibrahim Ismail at their respective homes in Batu Burok.
Earlier, Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin led dignitaries at Aidilfitri prayers at the Masjid Al Muktafi Billah Shah in Ladang.
His majesty later hosted guests to an open house at his palace at Istana Syarqiyyah In Chendering.
PIX by Adrian David: Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman and wife Toh Puan Halina Zakaria (right) welcoming guests to their Aidilfitri open house at their official residence Seri Iman in Batu Burok.