PM ANWAR LAUNCHES RAKAN MASJID X RAKAN MUDA RAMADAN INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today launched the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan initiative aimed at connecting mosque institutions with youth through a fresher and more inclusive approach.

He said the initiative is in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations, which emphasise holistic human development.

He said mosques must not be seen merely as places of worship, but rather as centres for community unity and character development.

"Youth must be given the space and trust to lead activities that benefit society.

"I'm happy when we have young figures who are not busy with divisive issues, but instead use Ramadan and Madrasah Ramadan to elevate our humanity and faith, in a positive and constructive manner,” he said.

Anwar said this at the breaking of fast (berbuka puasa) ceremony with the Prime Minister and the launch of the Rakan Masjid X Rakan Muda Ramadan initiative here.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan, Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Marhamah Rosli.

The Prime Minister also wants mosque institutions to continue to be strengthened as centres for the development of the ummah and as platforms to instil values of compassion and unity among the community, especially the younger generation.

The Rakan Muda Ramadan programme will be implemented in every state and 113 districts nationwide.

The target is for every state to have 400 participants, except Perlis and Labuan, which will have 300 participants each, bringing the total state-level participation to 5,800 people.

A total of 130 people are expected to join the programme at the district level, bringing the total number of participants to 14,690.

-- BERNAMA