Fatimah (second row, sixth left) joins others for a group photo during the Dalat District Gong Xi Raya open house event.
SIBU (April 12): The inaugural Gong Xi Raya open house held at the Dalat Welfare Complex on Sunday marked an effort to foster unity and mutual respect among people of diverse ethnicities and faiths in the district.
Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah described the event as a unique initiative that brings together the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Lunar New Year celebrations under one roof.
“This carries great meaning for all of us as it reflects the beauty of cultural and religious diversity celebrated in harmony, where we can come together regardless of rank, background, ethnicity or faith,” she said.
Fatimah added that such togetherness would drive progress in Dalat, with communities working hand-in-hand to develop the area, solve problems and share meaningful moments.
The Dalat assemblywoman also commended the organising committee, led by Dalat District Officer Mathew Hubert, for successfully hosting the event through strong inter-agency collaboration.
She noted that participating departments voluntarily contributed their own funds to prepare food, demonstrating the district’s strong spirit of teamwork and commitment.
“I was informed that every agency and department involved used their own allocations to prepare the dishes and as a result, we have more than 100 types of food served today,” she said.
“Programmes like this should carry on in future. I also want to thank everyone who came to support this event,” she added.