‘We must defend uniqueness of Raya open houses in Sabah’
Published on: Tuesday, April 16, 2024
By: Marutin Ansiung
Ellron (seated third from left) entertaining guests at his Hari Raya open house.
SOOK: The uniqueness of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house celebration continues to be enlivened not only by the Muslim community but also by the non-Muslims.
This is one of the unique features of the society in Sabah that can be seen at Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin’s open house in conjunction with the recent festive season, despite him not being a Muslim.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Sook Assemblyman said he respects the celebration since those who are Muslims are made up of various ethnic groups.
“This is the uniqueness of the people of various race and religion in Sabah who can sit at the same table. They respect each other regardless of race and religion,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House held at the Dewan SMK Sook.
“As a Christian, I don’t think that racial and religious differences separate us from other religion, but we need to respect each other. And this is proven today, that even though I am not a Muslim, but we celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri together,” he said.
Ellron noted that the presence of people of various races, religions and backgrounds proves that the unity and harmony of the community, especially in the interior, remains intact.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This is what we must defend so that it does not disappear in the current global development,” he said.
On the practice of visiting during festivals such as the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Ellron said this needs to be maintained because in addition to strengthening family ties, it also boosts friendly relations between communities of various races and religions in the country, especially in Sabah.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ellron said that the practice and culture of visiting each other has existed among the people of various race and religion in Sabah for a long time.
“We just need to maintain it so that it continues to be inherited by the current and future generation,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
