CONTINUE OPEN HOUSE PRACTICE, LEARN CUSTOMS AND CULTURES OF ALL M'SIANS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The practice of holding open houses
during festivals in the country must be preserved to appreciate the customs and
cultures of the multi-racial people in Malaysia, said the Prime Minister's wife
Rosmah Mansor.

She said the rising trend in organising open houses also reflected the
racial harmony and tolerance of the people in Malaysia, besides strengthening
the existing ties.

"The strong bond that shows during these festivals will become our strength
in defending the sovereignty of our country and thus, making it a peaceful and
prosperous country.

"By coming together to celebrate festivals, we can show the world that,
while they are fighting against each other in the name of their race and
religion, the most important thing is the human race," she said at the Malaysian
Indian Muslim Congress' (MIMC) Aidilfitri open house here Tuesday.

At the event, Rosmah also presented "duit raya" (gifts of money) and hampers
to single mothers, senior citizens, orphans and disabled persons.

Rosmah also expressed hope that more quarters would support her charity work
to help underprivileged groups.

"I will continue doing charity work to help those in need, especially
the young people who are the future leaders of the country and all those critics
don't bother me," she said.

Meanwhile, following the success of the Permata Seni Choir at the World
Peace Choral Festival in Vienna, Austria, Rosmah said she was now focusing on
efforts to help more young people to shine at the international level.
-- BERNAMA