Credit : Bernama Images
BAGAN DATUK: Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi menyeru pemimpin politik supaya mengetepikan perbezaan politik dan mengutamakan khidmat kepada rakyat. Beliau menegaskan bahawa amanah serta mandat yang diberikan oleh rakyat perlu dilaksanakan tanpa mengira fahaman politik, agama atau kaum.
Bercakap pada majlis perasmian Dewan RC di Simpang Empat, Hutan Melintang, Zahid berkata, “Sebagai ahli politik, kita tidak boleh membiarkan perpecahan dalam kalangan rakyat. Sama ada menang dengan majoriti besar atau kecil itu perkara kedua. Apa yang lebih penting ialah apabila dipilih sebagai ahli Parlimen atau ADUN, kita mesti melaksanakan tanggungjawab untuk berkhidmat.”
Beliau turut menekankan bahawa semua rakyat, tanpa mengira fahaman politik, agama, bangsa atau latar budaya, berhak mendapat perhatian dan layanan yang sama. Pemimpin, katanya, perlu terus mendekati masyarakat termasuk golongan muda sama ada yang bekerja di dalam atau luar negara. Pendekatan ini, jelas beliau, akan mengukuhkan hubungan antara pemimpin dan komuniti yang diwakili.
A Hall Built by ‘Raja Cendol’
The RC Hall, where the event took place, was built by a local businessman, M. Nagaraja, 69, who has been running a cendol business for the past 47 years. Zahid, who has known Nagaraja since he was 22, affectionately gave him the title ‘Raja Cendol’ during an Aidilfitri event in 2007. This title remains a symbol of appreciation for his contributions to the local community.
Celebrating Chinese New Year with Family and Tradition
Following the inauguration, Zahid attended a Chinese New Year open house hosted by his adoptive family at the Dato Hj Abdullah Ahmad Hall. He was warmly welcomed by Beh Song Wan, 62, known as ‘Bujang,’ along with his wife, Tian Mee Ping, 56, and their two children. This annual visit is a tradition for Zahid, strengthening ties between different communities in Malaysia.
During the celebration, Zahid took part in the yee sang tossing ritual, a Chinese New Year tradition symbolizing prosperity. However, this year, the dish was uniquely modified with Javanese elements, replacing traditional ingredients with pecal components such as boiled kangkung, glass noodles, tofu, cucumber, and jicama, all served with peanut sauce.
Zahid also took the opportunity to mingle with the local residents who attended the event, reinforcing his message of unity and harmony among Malaysia’s diverse population.
His call for unity comes at a time when the nation faces complex political challenges. By emphasizing the importance of serving all people regardless of political differences, Zahid highlights the need for cooperation among leaders to ensure Malaysia’s continued progress and stability.
