Puad said the purpose of an open house is for public relations, which meant expanding the relationship with the public.

“That is why all elected representatives and menteris besar have open houses. Events like this do have some elements of politics and campaigning. What’s wrong with that?” he said in a Facebook post.

On a sarcastic note, Puad invited Sanusi to attend the event and stand next to the prime minister to greet visitors throughout the event.

Yesterday, Sanusi said by holding such open houses, Putrajaya was going against its policy of doing away with massive events to cut costs. He said the move also smacked of politicking as the six states will be holding elections after June.

He said federal leaders should stick to the long-standing tradition of a single open house event at the prime minister’s residence, Seri Perdana, or around Putrajaya.

To this, Puad said if Sanusi felt that it was a waste of money, he should not have any open house, especially if the same people are being invited to attend.

Meanwhile, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu said the decision to hold the open house away from Putrajaya is an effort by Putrajaya to reach out to the people and state leaderships.

“It has nothing to do with the six state elections. Not everyone can attend if it is held at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya. Hence, the prime minister wanted to reach out to as many people as possible to celebrate Hari Raya.

“In fact, many national-level events are also being planned to be held outside of Putrajaya to strengthen federal-state ties,” Bernama quoted the agriculture and food security minister as saying.

Yesterday, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil said the open houses would be held in Kedah (April 29), Penang (May 6), Negeri Sembilan (May 7), Kelantan (May 12), Terengganu (May 13), and Selangor (May 14).

These six states are due to call for elections after June.