How many thousand, PM?

PM overwhelmed by response to Hari Raya open house

KEPALA BATAS: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is overwhelmed by the response to his Hari Raya open house held at the Dewan Milenium here, Monday.

The Prime Minister said that guests not only came from Kepala Batas but from as far as Kedah, Perlis and Perak.

"I am very happy that more people came this year and they were from all walks of life and all the races in the country," Abdullah, who looked resplendent in a purple Baju Melayu ensemble, told reporters after the function.

"People started streaming in since early morning.

The weather too was very kind today. It is indeed a wonderful day," he said.

The thousands of guests who came for the function held from 10am to 5pm also got to shake hands with the Prime Minister and his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah apart from enjoying the lavish spread.

VIPs who attended the open house included Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohd Tajol Rosli Ghazali.

Earlier, when interviewed live by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) during the open house, Abdullah said it (open house) helped him get closer to the people while providing a good platform to further enhance racial harmony.

"The presence of the menteris besar and chief minister also augurs well for the development of the NCER (Northern Corridor Economic Region)," he added.

The NCER involves Perlis, Kedah, Penang and northern Perak.