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Mahathir hosts

Eid festival

PUTRAJAYA, (Malaysia): Tens of thousands of people on Saturday thronged Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's new lavish official residence on the first day of the Muslim Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

It was the first time the premier's new residence at Putrajaya, a new eight-billion-dollar administrative centre south of the capital, was opened to the public.

Many were seen carrying cameras and umbrellas under the hot sun as they made their way ot the huge green-top residence which sits majestically on a hill in a former palm oil estate.

Mahathir, dressed in a green traditional Malay costume, shook hands with thousands of well-wishers for three hours before taking a break at midday.

Many members of the public took the opportunity to explore the premier's grand residence before savouring their food at tables and chairs placed in the beautifully landscaped garden in the compound.

Mahathir, along with Malaysian King Sultan Salahuddin, Deputy Premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and several ministers, earlier performed prayers at the national mosque in the capital.

Muslims account for more than 50 percent of the country's 22 million multicultural population.ÑAFP