Thousands join DPM at 1Malaysia Harmony X'mas open house

KAJANG: Thousands of people of all races joined Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Malaysia Christmas open house held at SMK Tinggi Kajang field on Monday.

In his speech, Muhyiddin said the government does not look at one's background, religion or race in formulating its policies. "No one is sidelined. All enjoy efforts to develop the nation,” he said.

He added that national unity has been strengthened in the 54 years since independence due to Barisan Nasional's power-sharing concept based on a common understanding between the various races and religions. Muhyiddin, accompanied by his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, arrived at the venue at about 3.30pm.

Present at the celebration, which began at 10am, were Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and wifeDatin Seri Masnah Rais, and his deputies, Datuk Seri Maglin DennisD'Cruz and Datuk Joseph Salang.

Earlier, Muhyiddin and other leaders visited the home of Peter Ng Ah Kaw, one of the recipients of the house restoration aid under the Special Affairs Department (Jasa). Ng, 70, received RM1,000 in cash, basic necessities and a 1Malaysia plaque. Also among the recipients were Voral Vengadasamy, 80, and Na An Tai, 46.

Muhyiddin and Rais then got into a taxi driven by T.Sidambram to go to the Christmas open house, accompanied by five other taxis. The deputy prime minister's arrival was welcomed by kompang beats and the crowd took the opportunity to "salam" or shake hands with Muhyiddin and the other leaders present.

The highlight of the celebration was when Muhyiddin and his wife decorated a 25ft-high Christmas tree. Themed '1Malaysia Harmony', the celebration organised by the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, also had cultural performances while the crowd was served with a spread that included satay, nasi beriani, macaroni and rendang.

The celebration was also given a people-oriented touch with the presentation of 1Malaysia Netbooks to 30 excellent students from around the Kajang area. Besides that, 200 households received foodstuff through the Kembara Jalinan Kasih programme organised by the Information Department.

-thestar online.