Published: Saturday August 18, 2012 MYT 6:10:00 PM

DPM urges Muslims to be grateful for harmonious Aidilfitri celebrations

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin urged the Muslims in the country to always be grateful to Allah SWT (God Almighty) by defending the peace, harmony and stability attained in the nation.

While wishing "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri", he also advised them to appreciate and be thankful for celebrating Aidilfitri and other festivals in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

"There's no conflict, no blood shed, no major disasters, such as experienced by our fellow Muslims in several countries at the moment.

"Therefore, be compassionate towards the underprivileged and our fellow Muslims who are suffering because their countries are in chaos due to conflicts," he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message.

Muhyiddin also encouraged the practice of the unique Malaysian culture of visiting each other during festive seasons in order to strengthen kinship and allow everyone in this multi-racial community to heighten the festive spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He reminded Muslims to refrain from overspending during the festive season as well.

"During this period, I would also like to encourage children to return home to their parents and relatives. Don't let them wait in sorrow. Celebrate Hari Raya with your loved ones," he said.

He went on to advise those who were driving to be cautious and patient on the roads so that they reached their destinations safely.

Meanwhile, Minister in Prime Minister's Department, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said, "Let us all celebrate in the spirit of 1Malaysia which is based on 'Wasatiyyah' or moderation as always upheld by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak."

The Gerakan president also described the holy month as the best time to assist and share one's good fortune with the underprivileged.

MIC president, Datuk Seri G.Palanivel, meanwhile urged Malaysians to show unity in diversity during this Hari Raya and Merdeka.

Palanivel, who is also Minister in Prime Minister's Department, advised those returning to their hometowns to be cautious on the road and parents to prevent their children from playing with dangerous fireworks.

PPP president, Datuk M. Kayveas, in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message, said the spirit of moderation has enabled Malaysians to go through trials and tribulations of nation building, sustaining harmony and forging unity in the midst of ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.

"Building understanding and respect among various religions is the key to peace and harmony in a multi-racial and multi-religious country like Malaysia. We Malaysians have every reason to be proud that we can celebrate various festivities in peace and harmony," he said.

1Malaysia Foundation, trustee, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said Muslims and other races of various religious faiths in Malaysia should use the festive occasion to further strengthen the bonds of friendship, inter-racial and inter-religious harmony in the true spirit of 1Malaysia.

"Every Malaysian should be fully committed to preserving harmony, goodwill and unity. Relentless efforts must be made by everyone to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity," said Lee in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message.

Meanwhile in KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman called on Sabahans to uphold Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's concept of 1Malaysia.

Saying that the nation's unity and stability was a result of its people's commitment, he added, "This is in line with the 1Malaysia concept mooted by the Prime Minister and I'm confident it's a way for us to support each other in good and bad times."

"I want Sabahans to not just understand but also reflect and practice this concept," he emphasised in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message here Saturday.

Musa also said, last year alone various measures were taken to implement the Economic Transformation and Government Transformation Programmes (ETP and GDP), in line with the 10th Malaysia Plan.

At the state level, the State Development Agenda and Sabah Development Corridor were now on the right track and have produced results by enhancing the economy and improving the quality of life, he concluded. - Bernama

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