Time for family and friends

Raya wishes: Ismail Sabri and Cabinet ministers at his Raya address in Seri Perdana.
— Bernama

PETALING JAYA: As Muslims ring in the Hari Raya celebrations, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has reminded the public to continue practising self-discipline for their own safety as well as that of their loved ones.

The Prime Minister called on Malaysians to use the opportunity to visit their family and friends, given that the standard operating procedure for the management of the pandemic has been relaxed on May 1.

“Spend some time at open houses and visiting graves,” he said in his Raya address last night.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Muslim congregations this Ramadan as the nation began transitioning towards the endemic phase on April 1.

“Alhamdulillah, this year’s Ramadan was different from last year’s and the year before, as the Malaysian Family was able to experience the iftar, moreh and sahur once again and to shop at Ramadan and Aldilfitri bazaars,” he said.

Ismail Sabri hoped the special Employees Provident Fund withdrawal and the RM500 special Raya aid for civil servants have helped the Keluarga Malaysia with their preparations for the festivities.

He also applauded the Keluarga Malaysia for proving their strength in facing the challenges that came in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic for the last two years.

“The solidarity of the Keluarga Malaysia will be the core of the government to focus on efforts to drive the country’s recovery through several strategies, so that the people can live comfortably once again,” he said.

Citing examples of the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine conflicts, Ismail Sabri said Malaysians should be grateful that the country is still blessed with peace and harmony as a result of political stability and the cooperation of Keluarga Malaysia.

“These conflicts must be used as examples as without immediate solutions, they are capable of disrupting peace in those regions and also the global economy.

“Just imagine, the Keluarga Malaysia is celebrating Aidilfitri peacefully and joyfully but our brothers and sisters in conflict countries such as Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Libya are celebrating Syawal with tears,” he said.

He added that this is why peace is important and the people will have to respect one another as a family despite their differences in faith and culture.

Therefore, he urged Malaysians to practise “tasamuh” or tolerance and togetherness.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong wished safe travels to Malaysians.

He also urged road users to be careful and responsible during their journey.

“Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims,” he said in a Facebook post.

“This year’s celebration will be more meaningful and merry as we are now in the phase of transition to the endemic phase.

“Celebrate the sweet season with your loved ones with happiness and gratitude,” he added.

Muslims in Malaysia celebrate Hari Raya today.