Sikmading's Sabah, Malaysian Borneo: Raya spirit still on!

Psalm of the Day - Evening Prayer for Help

Answer Me When I pray, O God, my defender! When I was in trouble, you helped me. Be kind to me now and hear my prayer. How long will you people insult me? How long will you love what is worthless and go after what is false? Remember that the Lord has chosen the righteous for his own, and he hears me when I call to him. Tremble with fear and stop sinning; think deeply about this, when you lie in silence on your beds. Offer the right sacrifices to the Lord, and put your trust in him. There are many who pray: "Give me more blessings, O Lord. Look on us with kindness!" But the joy that you have given me is more than they will ever have with all their grain and wine. When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe.

- Psalm 4, Book One taken from the Good News Bible, Today's English Version.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Raya spirit still on!

Yes, the spirit of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Muslim new year, sort of), although into its 2nd weekend, is still on. They can actually celebrate for one whole month, if they want to, i.e. the month of Shawal. After all, they have earned it, after fasing for one month. (My Muslim readers, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

With the Raya spirit still on, Open Houses (or Rumah Terbuka in Malay) are still held everywhere in Malaysia and Sabah. In Tuaran, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor held his at the local community centre. Among the thousands of people who turned up to wish Hajiji and wife Datin Juliah 'Selamat Hari Raya' were Cabinet Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and other dignitaries.

In the picture, the Minister is seen in a group photograph with his Permanent Secretary, Datuk Hj Ujang Hj Sulani ad Datin (on Hajiji's left) and Sabah Housing Tribunal president Hj Ahmad Sedik (on Hajiji's right). Also seen is Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) general manager Mrs PS Wong (on Datin Ujang's left).