LAWAS – The Aidilfitri celebration in Lawas was enlivened when over 10,000 visitors attended the open house held by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He’s also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment at Seri Malaysia Hotel.
It was a testament to the strong sense of community spirit and tradition where people would visit each other during the festive season.
Awang Tengah thanked the attendees for their overwhelming turnout, saying that the celebration was part of “Raya Kita”, where Malaysians of all ethnic groups and creeds came together in happiness and harmony.
“Fortunately, there were a lot of people to celebrate Raya with. What is more known as ‘Raya Kita’ because everyone from every race and religion takes part in happiness amidst a harmonious setting. This is the uniqueness of Sarawak each festive season, really embodying the concept of ‘Raya Kita’, he said when met after the event.
Other dignitaries who were present on the second day of the open house include Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau, Sarawak Premier’s Political Secretary Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa, and Dato Safri Datuk Abdillah, Vice President of Mirriek Jati Association Miri.
Awang Tengah emphasised that such gatherings are essential to ensure the peaceful environment which is the foundation of Sarawak’s multi-racial community. He stressed that diversity among communities is pivotal to the state’s strength and success.
Besides being an occasion for residents to celebrate Aidilfitri together, the open house also affirmed values of inclusivity and mutual respect.
People of disparate backgrounds rubbed shoulders, eating and wishing each other seasonal greetings in peaceable coexistence.
A perfect example is highlighted by the Deputy Premier, whose message found a resonance with guests who saw the celebration as an embodiment of Sarawak’s unique ability to unite its multicultural and multireligious peoples. It was a reminder of the value of maintaining traditions that help tighten shared ties.
And as Aidilfitri celebrations continue throughout Sarawak, the essence of “Raya Kita” serves as a potent reminder of the state’s resolve to create unity, harmony and shared joy.
