Najib calls on Muslims to foster unity and imbibe Aidiladha spirit

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 KUALA LUMPUR- Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) dialogue session with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) at Menara MITI at 1030 (0230 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Prime Minister Najib Razak(filepic) chairs UMNO Supreme Council Meeting at UMNO HQ at 1530 (0730 GMT)

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called on Muslims in Malaysia to imbibe the Aidiladha spirit as the celebration could foster unity between Muslims in general and others.

The Prime Minister said that Muslims would be able to maintain the spirit of brotherhood, oneness and sacrifice and avoid a selfish attitude by appreciating the meaning of Aidiladha.

"Muslims who ignore the principles of unity will open a space and the opportunity for the enemies of Islam to infringe upon the religion and weaken and destroy it and its followers," said Najib.

He added that the unity and peace bestowed on Muslims is an invaluable gift that must be protected.

"In fact, it is obligatory for us to be fair among human beings although we are from different communities and subscribe to different religions and beliefs," he said in his message on his blog at www.1Malaysia.com.myin conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration on Friday.

Najib said the Aidiladha celebration this year would also be very meaningful as it would come immediately after the National Day celebration on Thursday, adding that Malaysians are also celebrating the country's success as the 2017 SEA Games champion.

The Games ended Wednesday, with Malaysia winning 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals.

The Prime Minister also shared his joy over Malaysia sending the biggest number of haj pilgrims to the Holy Land this year in  Malaysia's history.

”We wish to record our thanks to the Saudi Arabian government for easing the managing of our pilgrims as we were the first country allowed to carry out the haj pilgrims pre-clearance programme this year, whereby our pilgrims need no longer go through Customs and passport checks in Makkah and Madinah," said Najib.

He said that Malaysians were enjoying this privilege because of the close relationship established and maintained with the Saudi Arabian authorities.

Najib also called on Muslims to celebrate the Aidiladha with a feeling full of gratitude and faith, besides strengthening the bond among them in order to build a successful ummah in this world and the hereafter. - Bernama