Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he decided this year to hold his open house on the first day of Raya at his Pekan residence as he “wanted to make it more homely”.
“First time Hari Raya (celebrations) in Pekan, but usually I hold it for two weeks after the first day of Raya, because I have to be in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya…as a minister, we have work in KL or in Putrajaya,” he said.
It was a change of pace for Najib as he held his Raya open house at his Seri Kenangan residence in Pahang after years of hosting guests at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya.
Najib’s open house will be a one-day event, unlike previous celebrations lasting two weeks at the Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar.
The estimated crowd of at least 500 spread out over two tents gave him a warm response, with many stopping him every few steps to have a selfie with him.
“I’m quite happy they are adjusting to my having a reception on the first day and we wanted to keep it in a modest way compared to before, but I am happy with the people who came here,” he told reporters when asked about the crowd’s response.
Najib, who is the Pekan MP, said this Hari Raya was different and that he would have to adapt to the change.
“However, we must still continue our service to the people since they have given us their trust.
“Many things have been said during the general election that may have hurt some feelings, but I hope we can mend ties this festive season.
“Most importantly, our country is peaceful and our future is still good,” he said.
Asked if he missed his old life as prime minister, Najib said it was important to be able to adapt.
“It’s not a question of miss, you just have to adjust to the new reality. That is all.”
However, he declined to comment when asked about the Umno elections.
Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were seen mingling with guests and well-wishers.
He was later seen chatting with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and the Pahang Sultan’s daughter-in-law Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
No key Umno national leaders were reported seen at the open house.
Former DAP leader Tunku Abdul Aziz Tunku Ibrahim who became a fierce critic of Pakatan Harapan and its previous iteration Pakatan Rakyat was spotted earlier on.