‘Duit raya’ is not bribery, says Ismail Sabri

Nga Kor Ming: duit raya is dedak

(The Star) – Duit raya given out to guests, especially to children at Hari Raya Aidilfitri open houses cannot be likened to bribery, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the practice of giving duit raya was a gesture of appreciation to children who attended the open house.

“It is our culture and the children who received the money are happier for attending the open house,” he said at his open house held in Dataran Kerayong here on Saturday.

Ismail Sabri said the statement allegedly posted by DAP’s Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming on his Facebook page, which likened duit raya to bribery, was totally uncalled for.

“He can be described as ‘biadap’ and not a wise leader. Does he understand our culture or our practice?

“Perhaps he wanted cheap publicity through this matter as his statement can cause unhappiness among the Malay community,” said Ismail Sabri.

He was commenting on the police reports lodged against Nga who allegedly posted that duit raya was “dedak” (animal feed).

Ismail Sabri, who is the Bera MP, added that the practice of giving away money or donations during festive seasons was normal as it was also practiced by other communities.

He said the Chinese gave “ang pau” during Chinese New Year and other communities did in their own way like giving presents during Christmas or contributions during Deepavali.

“I would like to advise Nga to apologise to the Malays pertaining this matter if he really said so on his Facebook account as reported,” said Ismail Sabri.