Abd Karim: Sarawak not cancelling Hari Raya open houses

KUCHING (March 12): Sarawak will not adopt the federal government’s directive to cancel Hari Raya open houses, noting that the instruction applies specifically to federal ministries, departments and agencies.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the directive issued by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday was intended for federal entities and does not necessarily apply to the state government.

“PMX’s directive is towards federal ministries, departments and agencies. Personally, I don’t see it applicable to Sarawak,” he told The Borneo Post.

Abdul Karim said Sarawak would still observe Hari Raya celebrations but with greater moderation.

“Sarawak will not adopt the federal directive. We will still celebrate Raya but on a milder scale,” he said.

He noted that Hari Raya open houses remain an important occasion for Muslims to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

However, he stressed that the celebrations should be carried out responsibly and without excessive spending.

“Of course, while celebrating Hari Raya on the first day of Syawal, we must always bear in mind the need not to be exorbitant in spending,” he said.

Abdul Karim added that the festive season also offers an opportunity for Malaysians to set aside differences and strengthen unity.

“We cannot totally put aside Hari Raya because of the current global situation. Hari Raya is the time for all Malaysians to put aside friction and unite, and to strengthen ties,” he said.

Anwar yesterday announced that all ministries, government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs) will not hold Aidilfitri open house celebrations this year as part of efforts to promote more prudent spending amid global economic uncertainty.

He said the decision, agreed upon during a Cabinet meeting, was intended to signal the need for greater fiscal discipline across the public sector.

“This sends a message that spending should be more prudent and moderate.”

Anwar added that the move was necessary even though Malaysia’s supply of essential goods such as oil and gas remains stable for now.

He said the government preferred to take early precautionary measures rather than risk being caught unprepared should the global situation worsen.