KUCHING: An odd yet very acceptable characteristic of this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house, just like those in past years, was the fact that the multi-racial visitors outnumbered their Muslim hosts.

Literally, thousands upon thousands of visitors all over the state gave a clear indication that Sarawak has no need for a race relations law.

Leading by example were Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Their open houses on the first and second day of Hari Raya reflected the general happenings throughout the state where ordinary people of all races mingled, exchanged greetings, and show respect to one another.

His Excellency and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah held their open house at the Astana, while Taib and Datuk Amar Puan Sri Laila had theirs at the State Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya.

Among other VVIPs who held their Open Houses were Housing Minister Dato Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar.

Parliament Deputy Speaker Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and assistant state ministers – Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Datin Fatimah Abdullah and Dr Abang Abdul Rauf Abang Zen also held open houses.

Among the distinguished visitors were Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan

and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang; leaders of political parties including Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing and Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Dato Sri William Mawan Ikom, as well as community and association leaders.