An estimated 80,000 people from all walks of life thronged the open house.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was overwhelmed by the massive turnout at the first Hari Raya open house by the Pakatan Harapan government.
After shaking the hands of thousands of well-wishers, Dr Mahathir apologised for not being able to greet everyone personally but said he was touched by the crowd who gathered as early at 7am at Seri Perdana to get a glimpse of him.
“Malaysians, regardless of race, turned out today, many in traditional Malay outfits.
“This reflects the multiracial spirit of Malaysians and is a sign of good future for the country,” he said in a brief address here on Friday.
Wearing his favourite purple baju Melayu, Dr Mahathir cheekily said that many who shook his hand thanked him for saving the country.
“Some said ‘I Love You’, however, there are no more placards saying ‘I Love PM’.
“They did not bring them but they stood in queue, shook my hands and said ‘I Love You’,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.
During Najib’s administration, placards, banners, and caps with the slogan ‘I Love PM’ were a regular fixture at formal party and government events. Visitors were usually handed these items and asked to wear them.
Among those who turned up at the open house were former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and former MCA president Ong Tee Keat. Both men appeared to be the only two notable Barisan Nasional members at the event.
Members of the Cabinet who were present included Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Education Minister Maszlee Malik, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
