JOHOR BARU: What started as a quick trip across the Causeway became an unforgettable experience for American Brian Kessler, who got to experience Hari Raya for the first time.
The electrical engineer, visiting Singapore for work, decided to explore Johor Baru with a friend on his day off.
“The plan was just to check out some tourist spots and experience what this city has to offer.
“When we reached the city area, we saw a crowd lining up and decided to follow along,” said Kessler, who had unknowingly joined the Johor Royal Family’s Hari Raya open house at Istana Besar yesterday.
The 58-year-old said he was thrilled to attend the open house.
“I have never been to a majority-Muslim country during Hari Raya and this is my first peek into the culture.
“This was an unexpected and fascinating experience,” he said, accompanied by his Singaporean friend and fellow electrical engineer Jay Lou.
Kessler and Lou were not the only ones who stumbled upon the Hari Raya open house.
Azam Abdul Rahman and his wife, assistant manager Suhaila Hamzah, both 49, and their four children, also joined the festivities.
Originally from Johor but now living in Kuala Lumpur, the family was in town to visit Azam’s sisters.
“We came to celebrate Hari Raya with them and cheer them up as one sister recently lost her husband while the other had her home hit by the floods.
“We were on our way to Singapore to visit friends when we saw the crowd and decided to check it out,” said Azam.
The couple, both from Muar, took the opportunity to introduce their children, 16 to 24, to Johor’s history and the Royal Family.
“Our kids grew up in Kuala Lumpur and didn’t get the chance to learn about Johor. This was a good opportunity for them to know more about the state,” said Suhaila.
The open house, held on the second day of Hari Raya, began at about 9.30am and drew a large crowd, with some making a beeline to the palace two hours before it opened.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, graced the event.
He spent time with members of the public, greeting and shaking hands with them.
Also present was Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail and his wife Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.
Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim were also in attendance.
