IPOH: Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim today graced the Perak state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at the grounds of the Indera Nulia Stadium, here.
The Sultan, accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri, arrived at 3.10pm.
They were greeted by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, along with state executive councillors and several dignitaries.
Also in attendance were Raja Muda Perak Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa, Raja Puan Besar Perak Raja Nazhatul Shima Idris Shah, Raja DiHilir Perak Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Idris Shah, Raja Puan Muda Perak Tunku Soraya Abdul Halim Shah and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
During the celebration, Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara presented duit raya to orphans and poor children from Pusat Jagaan Darus Salam, Ipoh; Pusat Jagaan Anak-Anak Yatim dan Miskin Nurul Iman; Pusat Jagaan Yayasan Amanah An-Nur Maisarah; dan Pusat Jagaan Persatuan Anak-Anak Yatim Soleha, Tanjung Tualang.
Around 20,000 people of various races attended the celebrations and enjoyed the spread of food and beverages like satay, kebab, nasi himpit, kuey teow, ketupat, lemang, rendang and kambing golek.
Saarani in his speech said the celebration reflected the strength and uniqueness of Malayisans, especially in Perak, who are united in building harmony, despite their different cultures, race and religion.
"It should be noted that the diversity of the people should not be a stumbling block to establish close relationships between races which has existed since pre-Independence. We must embrace unity in diversity to enjoy the prevailing peace and harmony," he said.
Saarani added that despite preserving the values of unity, there has been incidents recently that encrouches sensitive issues related to race and religion.
He also invited the people of Perak to unite and rekindle the spirit of togetherness and defend peace and unity and reject divisiveness because such polemics and debate would only be detrimental to the tolerance as well as incite hatred.
Social media, which should serve as a platform to dessiminate values that can boost unity and love among each other, was instead being used to fuel hatred that can erode peace and hinder progress, he said. — Bernama
