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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright April 2023
I love Mat Sabu. He studied culinary arts. In a way he is an artist who is into cooking and lately into storytelling too.
At a recent press conference, it was fascinating to listen to him talking about a forthcoming PMX's Madani open house. Mat Sabu told us Malaysia Madani Aidilfitri Open House event with the prime minister is a federal government effort to reach out to the people and state leaderships and has nothing to do with the six state elections due to be held this year.
However, the Madani open house will be held in only six states that will hold state elections. Is that part of the plot in his story? What about the other seven, my grandkids asked me. They're just starting to read, write and count. One asked how many states are there in the federation? Thirteen the last time I counted.
"Funny, how come they forget Sabah and Sarawak?" came the reply from one who loves a good story and enjoys going to open houses immensely.
"Is PMX going to celebrate with Sarawakians and Sabahans, soon or after the state elections?"
"Grandpa, I want to fly to Sabah or Sarawak when PMX has an open house Madani style there!"
Anyway, I told them let's hope it'll be after Syawal because tickets to Sabah and Sarawak were sold out during Hari Raya and from what I heard it's quite expensive now.
"But grandpa, how come our brothers and sisters don't get same Hari Raya subsidy like we do during Hari Raya?" asked a cheeky one.
He was talking about RM93 million toll subsidy PMX announced for road travellers on roads in the Peninsula during Hari Raya. By the way, Syed Sadiq came up with RM93 million, not me. Syed Sadiq is also a fascinating storyteller. My grandnephew adores him.
"My friend next door said he and his family cannot go back to visit grandma and grandpa in Sabah because tickets are expensive. Is that true?"
Yes, I have to agree that I heard Syed Sadiq saying so recently and they don't get a subsidy or have a chance to meet PMX at open house there.
"Are they holding a Madani open house in Sabah and Sarawak?" Asked the youngest of the lot.
I had to tell the truth. Hi guys according to Mat Sabu and PMX they'll hold Aidilfitri open house only in six states in Peninsular Malaysia.
"But that's unfair, grandpa!"
You have to call Mat Sabu and PMX. Google PM's office and tell him it's unfair because they too love to meet him and want to enjoy Hari Raya with him.
"But grandpa, why don't they hold in all 13 states?"
Again, I hate to lie to the kids. Let me tell you this once more, the other 7 states are not holding elections after Hari Raya.
Now let's watch Mat Sabu on television. I love to watch him telling his stories. I think he is a good cook and an excellent story teller too.
For that cooking tale you'll have to call the Lims from DAP who were invited to his house recently to celebrate Hari Raya and Mat Sabu I heard cooked up quite a storm in his kitchen. But that's another story for another day!
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