Kota Kinabalu: The Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at Istana Seri Kinabalu, here, on Monday was a joyous affair, filled with festive cheer and warm hospitality.
The arrival of Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin at 10.30am was received by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag.
The event commenced with a prayer recitation led by the Istana Religious Officer, Zulfauzy Awang Besar, after which invited guests were treated to a delightful spread of traditional Hari Raya delicacies.
Distinguished attendees included State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya and his wife Datin Seri Noraini Salleh, Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, along with State Cabinet Ministers and foreign consuls.
The celebration was enlivened by festive Hari Raya musical performances presented by the Royal Malaysia Police Band Sabah Contingent under the direction of Music Director Inspector Wilbono Zain.
Meanwhile, Musa and Hajiji joined over 7,000 worshippers in performing the Hari Raya Aidilfitri sunnah prayers at the State Mosque, Monday.
Musa arrived at 7.20am and was welcomed by Hajiji, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, State Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya and Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) Director Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani, who also chairs the State-level Aidilfitri Sunnah Prayer Committee.
At about 7.45am, Musa performed the Aidilfitri sunnah prayers, led by State Mosque Chief Imam Suhaidi Kaunting.
This was followed by a sermon delivered by the State Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Aziz Jaafar.
After the prayers and sermon, Musa took time to greet worshippers before departing at 8.30am.
Also present were State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Chief Minister’s assistants Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah and Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) Deputy Chairman Malai Ali Malai Ahmad.
