Govt’s decision to forgo Aidilfitri open house a reminder of moderation, family values, says Fatimah

KUCHING (March 17): The decision to forgo Aidilfitri open houses for all ministries, government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs), as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has prompted reflection on the importance of family, cultural traditions and prudent financial management, said Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.

The Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development said she understood the longing felt by parents whose children are unable to return home during festive seasons due to work commitments.

“Having children who live far from home and cannot return due to work commitments, I understand the longing parents feel. How would parents feel when they hope to see their children and grandchildren during festive seasons?

“In our culture, it is important to be together during celebrations. Many of us may only have the chance to return home once a year,” she told a press conference at the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) here.

Anwar had on March 11 announced that all ministries, government agencies and GLCs would 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.

Anwar added that the move was necessary even though Malaysia’s supply of essential goods such as oil and gas remains stable for now, stressing that early precautionary measures were needed in case the global situation worsens.

Addressing the matter, Fatimah said the upcoming celebration should focus on visiting relatives and seeking forgiveness.

She emphasised that festive gatherings play a vital role in strengthening family ties.

“The time spent returning to our hometowns helps maintain ties of kinship. The situation here is peaceful and with bridges now completed, travel back home is easier and faster.

“Unlike before, we had to wait for ferries. The longing from being apart, for parents and family and for the atmosphere in the village is also eased when we return,” she said.

“The guidance from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasises prudence and careful spending during open house celebrations,” she said.

She added that the Prime Minister’s guidance underscored the need for prudence and moderation during festive celebrations.

“Open houses in villages, the doors are never closed, we continue to welcome visitors, visit relatives and ask for forgiveness. We celebrate together but we must also consider what happens on other days. Everything needs to be managed responsibly.

“Things might not be easy moving forward. For example, if conflict continues, it will impact the cost of living. Oil prices influence almost everything like vehicles, electricity, cooking, agriculture, it is affecting all sectors.

“That is why we must be prepared. Following the prime minister’s guidance, we need to be moderate and careful,” she said.

Fatimah also called on the public to pray for Sarawak’s continued safety, while highlighting the state government’s support systems.

“Let us pray that Sarawak remains free from disasters. Assistance like the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) is to ensure that food is on the table (for the people), while other assistance is available under our welfare department, the agriculture department and fisheries.

“Each has programmes to help those in need,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of financial education from an early age.

“Children in kindergartens and childcare centres are taught the value of money and how to save. This teaches them what their resources can buy and how to manage them.

“Our religion also discourages wastefulness, so we encourage moderation in all things, especially during festive celebrations,” she said.