Govt to host 6 major festivals at national level, says Wan Azizah

By Olivia Miwil - December 29, 2018 @ 9:48pm

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who announced the plan, said the celebrations would be dubbed Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia (MRTM). Also present were Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah R. M Jasni, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, Works minister Baru Bian and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

KOTA KINABALU: The government will host six major celebrations at the national-level to maintain unity and peace in the country.

The celebrations are Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Kaamatan festival, Gawai festival, and Christmas.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who announced the plan, said the celebrations would be dubbed Majlis Rumah Terbuka Malaysia (MRTM).

“The main objective of the MRTM programme is to foster unity and understanding among our multiracial community, to uplift the spirit of New Malaysia, build good relationships between leaders and peoples as well as have the celebrations as tourism products,” the women and family development minister said at the Christmas open house celebration at Padang Merdeka, here.

“We are aware that people’s unity and peace, as well as tolerance among religions are the main contributors for political stability that could lead to more success in the context of country development in the future.” She said the government had never sidelined any of the country’s races or religions in implementing development programmes and had allocated a huge amount of funds for the people’s wellbeing.

Wan Azizah also said Malaysians of diverse cultures should work together to achieve development and maintain peace instead of being jealous with other races.

“As long as we stay united and accept each other, we are confident that the future of country will be bright.

“The government is committed to maintaining what we have today and ensuring positive spillover effects to the people.”

Present were Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and wife Toh Puan Norlidah R. M Jasni, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, Works minister Baru Bian andDeputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.