M`SIAN MINISTER SAYS OPEN HOUSE PROGRAMME SHOULD BE REVIEWED

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Information Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek
has called for a review of the Malaysia Open House, a programme held in
conjuction with the cultural celebrations of the various communities in the
country.

He said this was to prevent a recurrence of an incident at the recent Hari
Raya open house hosted by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and cabinet
ministers at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Ahmad Shabery said he would raise the matter with the Unity, Culture, Arts
and Heritage Ministry, the event's organiser, at the weekly cabinet meeting
Wednesday.

"I will raise this matter and ask the government to review the programme
even though it was introduced to promote unity among the races.

"If need be, we can do away with it. I will be sad if we come to that stage
but imagine... if there are open houses and there are people who come to show
disrespect towards the host," he told reporters here.

Last Wednesday, a group of Hindraf supporters caused a commotion at the
Hari Raya Open House at the PWTC when they turned up to hand over a Hari Raya
card
which they claimed to be containing signatures demanding the release of Hindraf
leaders.

Abdullah had expressed disappointment over the incident, saying the
behaviour of the Hindraf supporters reflected that they lacked the spirit of
Hari Raya.

Ahmad Shabery said the incident at the PWTC had marred the Hari Raya
atmosphere.

"The original intention of holding the open house to forge close relations
among the people is not achieved," he said.

Saying the incident was an unhealthy development in the country, he also
called on all political parties, including those of the opposition, to condemn
the incident.