PM: Be thankful for being able to celebrate Raya in peace

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has called on Malaysians, especially Muslims, to be grateful for being able to carry out Ramadan fasting without any disturbance and to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri peacefully.

He said many Muslims were unable to fast in peace as their countries were unstable, with some facing famine while others were exposed to threats which put their lives at risk.

"On the other hand, here we are enjoying enormous choices of food. The fate of Muslims in the country is good indeed," he said in his Aidilfitri 2019 message that was broadcast live on local television stations tonight.

"Even without much effort, we get to enjoy many things. We celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri joyfully and in a relaxed manner in this blessed country." 

The prime minister also reminded Malaysians to continue working hard, because without this it would be impossible to retain this level of comfort.

He said Allah would not fulfill people’s prayers and wishes unless they themselves made an effort to change their fate.

Mahathir also reminded Malaysians that the comfort they enjoy today is also contributed by those who worked for them, whether locals or foreigners.

“They sweat so that necessities can reach us, including food supply. Without them, the country would have continued to be poor and undeveloped,” he said.

Apart from that, Mahathir also said Muslims must put their priority in ensuring justice, as well as be patient to curb their desires for material things.

“We know Muslims are brothers. But we see they are often at odds with each other to the point of going to war. We are forbidden to kill yet we see many of us kill and are killed.

“There is nothing more important in Islam than justice. But many of us punish without investigating, casting justice aside.

He added that Muslims now were oppressed everywhere.

"If we were to hold fast to the truth and Islamic teachings as found in the Quran, we will certainly be aware that the tragedy that has befallen us is because we rejected the teachings, guidance and advice that are in the Quran, the revelation from Allah," he explained.

- Bernama