FORMER national badminton ace Lee Chong Wei called on Malaysians to be patient and wait out the current Covid-19 pandemic, amid disappointments over not being able to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri the usual way.

The three-time Olympic silver medallist hoped that by being patient this year, Malaysians will be rewarded with the joy of celebrating the festival in a more lively environment in future.

“To all my friends, I understand that everyone is not feeling so enthusiastic as the celebration this time is affected by measures to prevent the coronavirus.

“Mew Choo, my two sons and I would like to seek forgiveness and extend our Hari Raya Aidilfitri wishes to those celebrating. Just like a badminton game, we restart.. kosong-kosong (zero-zero),” he said in a Facebook posting today.

The Penang-born player also recalled his childhood experience of visiting Raya open houses of his friends and neighbours, as well as playing fireworks.

“It does not matter whose house we visited first, there would always be chicken rendang, serunding, squid sambal and ketupat. 

“When I entered Bukit Jalil Sports School during Aidilfitri, the cafeteria will prepare special dishes and a group of us, in our baju raya, would ambush our coach’s house. Those were the sweetest memories,” the 37-year-old former singles player said.

Meanwhile, national track cycling champion, Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, who is celebrating Hari Raya in Melbourne, Australia, also reminded Malaysians to practise social distancing while celebrating and visiting relatives.

“Do remember when you are visiting, avoid touching and shaking hands, and if you shake hands, remember to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.

“In the midst of celebrating Raya this year, don’t forget two things: firstly, the virus is still around and secondly, my family and I are celebrating this festival far away from home,” said Azizulhasni, who also uploaded a picture of his family and teammate, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom.

Gambian-born Mohamadou Sumareh, who is Malaysia’s first naturalised football player also uploaded a photograph and extended his Hari Raya greetings while national diver, Nur Dhabitah Sabri shared a photograph of her family on their respective social media platforms.

Six-time Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’azim Football Club also shared their Hari Raya greetings through a video posted on their official Johor Southern Tigers Facebook, featuring greetings from team captain Harris Harun and other players such as Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak, Mohd Izham Tarmizi Roslan and Safawi Rasid. – Bernama, May 24, 2020.