The excitement of meeting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Negeri Sembilan government’s and Malaysia Madani Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House prompted visitor R.Kumaran to plan a week in advance so as not to miss the event.

The private sector employee from Rantau near here, who arrived with his family as early as 8 am, said he last saw the leader when he was Port Dickson MP.

“The last time I met Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was during the Aidilfitri Open house in Port Dickson before he became prime minister. I came to know about today’s open house via social media. I can’t wait to meet him.

“I left home early to avoid traffic congestion and waste time looking for parking,” he told reporters when met at Wisma Majlis Bandaraya Seremban (MBS) in Forest Height here today.

Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the Aidilfitri open house, from 10 am to 4.30 pm and 52 different dishes including lemang daun lerek, rendang maman, apam Johol and cendol have been prepared for guests.

A housewife, Hasnizah Nordin, 40, said she was also excited to join the Raya celebration for the first time with the community from all walks of life and the prime minister.

”I arrived at 9 am with my family although the event starts at 10 am. My children are equally thrilled to meet the prime minister,” she said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir and Tunku Ampuan Besar of Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud are expected to arrive at 1 pm.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency