KUALA LUMPUR: Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, graced the Hari Raya Aidilfitri reception at Istana Negara here.
The event on Saturday was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and other Cabinet ministers.
Also present were representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, including those from the United Kingdom, Iran, Azerbaijan and Indonesia, Bernama reported.
Among the more than 600 guests were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, as well as Malaysian National News Agency chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and The Star’s chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
Among the dishes served were Johor specialities such as kacang pool and sup tulang merah, as well as lemang, ketupat, rendang and nasi beriani.
The event was enlivened by Hari Raya songs performed by the Royal Malaysia Police Quintet Band, as well as a special performance by singer and Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair chairman Datuk DJ Dave.
Their Majesties also took time to mingle with the guests, Bernama reported.
In JOHOR BARU, it was a special day for a family of five as they got to celebrate the second day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri at Istana Besar here for the first time.
Nurul Farah Ain Azhar, 38, from Kuala Lumpur, said that although she grew up in Johor, she had never attended an open house hosted by the Johor royal family.
“This year, my family is celebrating Hari Raya in my hometown, and we made an impromptu decision to visit the open house at the Johor palace.
“It was actually my sister’s idea, as she attends the open house with her family almost every year and always enjoys it,” the staff nurse said when met at the palace.
Nurul Farah Ain, her husband Nor Kamal Aizat, 39, and their three children were among those who turned up in Hari Raya attire to attend the open house.
Another attendee, software engineer S. Harshini, 26, said the food served at the open house was delicious.
“There was a variety of food to choose from, such as chicken rendang and all kinds of desserts.
“My family and I had a good first experience and we hope to attend again in the future.”
Meanwhile, Singaporean Kai Wyn, 20, said his friends invited him to the open house so that he could enjoy a wholesome Hari Raya experience.
“I have never attended any open houses before this, not even in Singapore. It is really interesting and has a community feel.
“A lot of people turned up to enjoy the event so the atmosphere was very festive,” he said, adding that he had a pleasant experience.
Also excited to be at the open house was 31-year-old university student Abu Bakar Bala from Nigeria.
“Although it was my first time attending the event, I felt very welcomed.
“Everyone looked happy and cheerful in their festive attire, making my Hari Raya celebration away from home even more special,” said Abu Bakar, who is pursuing a master’s degree in a civil engineering programme.
Their Majesties Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah graced the event attended by thousands of people.
The Queen, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda, Tunku Panglima Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Sultan Ibrahim were also seen greeting and shaking hands with the public.
Also present were Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
