Sarawak Malays display tradition and hospitality

His Majesty in conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah. Photo: Infofoto

His Majesty being welcomed by His Majesty Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. Photo: Infofoto

Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha receiving a souvenir - a "selendang" - from Datin Paduka Hajah Sharifah Mordiah, Assistant Minister of Welfare and Women Affairs Sarawak. Photo: Infofoto

The royal guests attending Malaysia's Hari Raya Aidil Fitri Open House in Kuching. Photo: Infofoto

KUCHING - Sarawak rolled out the red carpet to welcome royalty from Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia as well as federal and state leaders, tourists and Malaysians from all walks of life for a spectacular show of hospitality and tradition at the national Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House here last night.

The mammoth crowd spilled over from the Padang Merdeka to the scenic Waterfront, State Tourism Complex, historical General Post Office building and Museum Gardens for the glittering event.

The organisers - the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry and the Sarawak Tourism Ministry - estimated that more than 100,000 people had flocked to the city centre since the afternoon, making it one of the biggest and grandest festive open houses ever held in the country.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha attended the Officiating Ceremony of Malaysia's Open House Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

From the place of the residence to the Padang Merdeka, His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Isteri were accompanied by Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Mohammad Salahuddin, Governor of Sarawak, and his wife Datuk Patinggi Hajah Norkiah.

On arrival at the Padang Merdeka, His Majesty and the royal entourage were welcomed by His Majesty Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Tengku Fauziah, the Permaisuri Agong.

The royal entourage of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong were then greeted by Datuk Seri Abdullah Bin Haji Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Pehin Sri Dr. Hj Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister of Sarawak, and his wife Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr. Hajah Laila Taib, Dato' Paduka Abdul Kadir bin Haji Sheikh Fadzir, Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism Malaysia and Datin Paduka Suraya binti Md Noah, Dato Seri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, Minister of Tourism Sarawak, and his wife Datin Sri Hajjah Juma'ani Binti Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri and the royal entourage were ushered in full tradition to the Rumah Melayu (Malay House).

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong were then presented with the Tepak Sirih.

At the Rumah Melayu, His Majesty and other royal guests watched cultural performances. Her Majesty Raja Isteri and Her Majesty the Permaisuri Agong were presented with a souvenir - a "selendang" - by Datin Paduka Hajah Sharifah Mordiah, Assistant Minister of Welfare and Women Affairs Sarawak.

The royal guests proceeded to the Anjung Rumah Melayu to see traditional handicrafts and the making of the delicacies of Sarawak.

They then went to the Royal Dais. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong consented to officiate Malaysia's Open House Hari Raya Aidilfitri by beating the beduk.

This was followed by the cutting of nasi pulut kuning by His Majesty the Sultan and His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

This was followed by speeches by Minister of Culture of Sarawak and Prime Minister of Malaysia.

The ceremony was followed by a dinner. There were also arts and cultural performances as well as fireworks show to mark the occasion.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri joined other royal guests and dignitaries in receiving greetings from the people.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin