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As Malaysia prepares to welcome Aidilfitri in 2026, two decisions from different levels of government have sparked discussion across the country. One calls for restraint, the other continues with celebration. At first glance, they may seem contradictory but when looked at closely, they reveal something deeper about governance, responsibility, and the true meaning of Raya.
Recently, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the federal government will not hold any official Aidilfitri open houses this year. Ministries, government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), and government-linked investment companies (GLICs) have also been instructed to cancel their celebrations.
The move is not about abandoning tradition. Instead, it is a precautionary step in response to global economic uncertainty following tensions in the Middle East. As oil prices fluctuate and economic pressures loom, the government believes prudence is necessary. Along with cancelling open houses, ministers and government officials have also been asked to limit overseas trips unless absolutely necessary.
In simple terms, the message from the federal government is clear: when the global economy becomes uncertain, leaders must prioritize responsible spending.
Yet, in the northern state of Kedah, a different decision has been made.
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor confirmed that the state’s Aidilfitri open house will still go on as planned on March 27 at the official residence, Seri Mentaloon. Preparations for the event had already been made long before the federal announcement — tents installed, food ordered, and vendors engaged.
For Sanusi, cancelling the event now would not necessarily save money. Instead, it could affect the small traders and local businesses who are already involved in preparing for the celebration.
His solution is simple: instead of multiple events across different agencies, Kedah will host just one shared open house. Government agencies and state-linked companies will gather under one roof, supporting the Prime Minister’s call for moderation while still allowing the Raya tradition to continue.
Seen from this perspective, the two decisions are not as conflicting as they first appear.
At the federal level, cancelling open houses prevents hundreds or even thousands of government events, which could collectively cost a significant amount of public funds. At the state level, continuing a single, already-prepared celebration ensures that local vendors and small businesses still benefit during the festive season.
Both approaches reflect responsibility, just in different contexts.
One focuses on national fiscal discipline.
The other emphasizes local economic support.
And perhaps that balance reflects the true spirit of Aidilfitri itself.
Raya has never been about extravagance. It has always been about gratitude, community, and sharing what we have with others. Whether through careful spending or supporting small traders, the essence remains the same: ensuring that celebration does not come at the expense of responsibility.
In a time when global uncertainty continues to test economies everywhere, Malaysia’s response shows that leadership can take different forms yet still move toward the same goal.
Saving where necessary. Sharing where possible.
Because at the end of the day, Raya is not measured by how grand the celebration is but by how well we take care of one another. And that may be the most meaningful message of #Raya2026.
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Badrulamin Luthfi (mobamil96@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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