Happy celebrating: (Above) Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah. — Photo courtesy of Istana Negara.
PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has called on Malaysians to visit each other this festive season to forge closer ties and strengthen unity.
“Take this opportunity to forgive each other, especially among family members, relatives and friends,” he said.
His Majesty also acknowledged that, as humans, there are times when we feel offended or slighted.
“I hope this holy month will increase our feelings of love for each other,” he added.
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His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, wished all Malaysians of the Muslim faith a happy Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
In his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Malaysians to uphold the meaning of the celebration which is to be victorious by doing away with old practices and cultures which are detrimental to the country.
He also said that any struggle requires patience and careful planning to balance all aspects of nation-building as rash behaviour would lead to failure.
(from left) Anwar, Ahmad Zahid and Fadillah.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has also called on the people to strengthen unity and form togetherness as Malaysians.
“Let’s also forgive, forget about any disputes so that this festivity will be more meaningful for all of us,” said the Umno president on Facebook.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged the people to celebrate Hari Raya with gratitude and in a modest manner.
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”Strengthen the relationship that we have built up through the tradition of visiting one another so that unity continues to be preserved,” he added.
As the country is filled with festive joy today, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong reminded the people to not forget the less fortunate.
“Continue the practice of visiting and forgiving each other, because this is what unites us all in a harmonious society,” he said.
He also thanked the security forces and frontliners for their dedication to serving the people and the country.
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“When we are with our loved ones, they serve the country,” he added.
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari also called on the people to care for the poor, the orphans and the unfortunate groups.
He said such moral values need to be passed on in shaping the future generation of caring and sharing.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has reminded Malaysians to thank the security forces for their sacrifices in ensuring the safety of the people and the country.
“Peace and harmony are important amid our differences in race, religion and culture,” he said.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas also shared his greetings with a call for Malaysians to embrace cultural diversity.
“May this joyous occasion bring you and your loved ones abundant blessings, happiness and peace now and in the years ahead,” he added.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming extended his festive greetings with a call for the people to continue celebrating the Malaysian spirit of unity in diversity.
“Unity in diversity is our way of life ... let us celebrate together with an open heart, unity in diversity – stronger together,” he said in a clip posted on Facebook.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow hoped that Penangities would take the opportunity to strengthen bonds and family ties.
“Let us celebrate diversity with love, unity and tolerance for the sake of sustainable and peaceful development of our state.
“Me, my wife and the leaders in the state administration would like to wish those celebrating Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and I pray that this year’s celebration will make us better people,” he added.
