Malaysia’s opposition questions Anwar’s motive for holding Hari Raya open house in 6 states facing polls

"It can no longer be separated from political motives and the competition for influence ahead of the state elections which will take place in a few months," said Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

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April 27, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – The Opposition has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses in six states, stating that they are taking place in the six states where state polls are due soon.

“The Hari Raya celebrations in the six states that are about to face elections will certainly trigger questions about its motive.

“It can no longer be separated from political motives and the competition for influence ahead of the state elections which will take place in a few months,” Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said in a statement on Wednesday (April 26).

He was surprised at the decision to hold the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house in six states in Peninsular Malaysia, with the first to be held on April 29 in Kedah and the last on May 14 in Selangor.

“The schedule includes celebrations in Penang (May 6), Negri Sembilan (May 7), Kelantan (May 12) and Terengganu (May 13),” he said.

“Putrajaya’s decision is clearly excessive and outrageous in addition to being untenable.

“This series of celebrations also goes against convention and etiquette of the relationship between the Federal Government and the states in terms of their authority and jurisdiction.

“This crossing of boundaries challenges the image of the states and will not contribute to good relations and mutual trust between the two parties,” he said.

Takiyuddin also said these “excessive” Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations were contrary to Putrajaya’s policies and commitment to be frugal.

“This was stated by Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) in Parliament that the government’s debt and liabilities are as high as RM1.5 trillion or about 82% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

“According to him (Anwar), one of the main steps the Government under his leadership will take is to improve governance because it was claimed that a large amount of government funds were lost following management weaknesses, causing debt to be higher than economic growth,” he said.

He also expressed concern about the possibility of abuse of government agencies.

“The Federal Government needs to guarantee that all its promises …. about preventing abuse of power, abuse of machinery and management weaknesses are not just slogans,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on Tuesday (April 25), said the Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri open house with the Prime Minister slated to be held in six states starting with Kedah on April 29, was not a waste but should be seen as an effort to celebrate and fete the people in conjunction with Hari Raya.

He also said that serving food such as ketupat, lemang and satay at the open houses would not involve excessive costs as the food was still affordable.

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