MINISTERS URGE MALAYSIANS TO STRENGTHEN HARMONY, UNITY THIS AIDILFITRI

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Cabinet ministers today conveyed their Hari Raya Aidilfitri  greetings to Muslims and urged all Malaysians to strengthen their ties in the spirit of unity.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that as a multiracial and multireligious country, harmony needed to be preserved.

“Alhamdulillah, we have completed our fast throughout the holy month of Ramadan. Now with a sense of gratitude, we celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, a day filled with happiness for all Muslims around the world.

“Let us together preserve harmony with the spirit of unity, mutual respect and strengthen ties between Malaysians. I wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all who celebrate. Maaf Zahir dan Batin,” he posted on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin invited Malaysians to appreciate the sacrifices of the armed forces who were currently on duty, away from their loved ones to ensure the country’s security and freedom.

“While we celebrate Hari Raya, let’s appreciate the national warriors by sparing a moment to send prayers to them so that they remain safe and continue to be protected while on duty. To all Malaysian Armed Forces personnel, no matter where they are, I wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Malaysia is proud and thankful to all of you,” he said.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reminded Malaysians to ensure the safety of their homes and property as they return to their hometowns to celebrate and enjoy the long holidays.

“Be safe, those travelling home, your lives mean everything. Remember our  families who are waiting for us to celebrate with happiness, let’s not have any tragedies.

“The Royal Malaysian Police have frozen leave for 6,800 personnel specifically to ensure the smoothness of traffic to help those returning to their hometowns,” he said in a video posted on Facebook.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu posted a reminder on Facebook to Malaysians to celebrate Syawal in moderation and not to waste but spend according to their capacity.

“I would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians, especially to farmers, breeders and fishermen who work hard to ensure our national food resources are enough and secure. Your determination and sacrifices are deeply valued and form the core of our country’s food security,” he said.

Also, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said he recalled his birthday every time he celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“I was born on 1st Syawal, while many were performing the Hari Raya prayers. Every year, Hari Raya reminds me that I’m getting older. I pray to Allah to provide us the means so that we can celebrate Hari Raya in moderation,” he said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming expressed hope that as Malaysians visited one another during Syawal, they would strengthen ties and unite, forgive each other regardless of race and religion.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan uploaded his Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings through a video of roasting lemang with the caption, “Bantu anak-anak buah bakar lomang (lemang) di belakang rumah di kampung..Rendang itek (itik) dah masak tengah hari tadi.” 

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also conveyed their Aidilfitri greetings on social media.

-- BERNAMA