PM: Be grateful for the peace we enjoy
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has urged Malaysians to be grateful for the peace they enjoy.
Malaysians could spend Ramadan and celebrate Hari Raya safely without having to worry about attacks, he said.
“Let us ponder our challenges and expectations, and how we can overcome them. God willing, our efforts and never-say-die attitude will receive the blessings of Allah, and we will surely overcome all obstacles.
“Trust me, what we are facing now is not as difficult as what our friends in other countries, especially in the Middle East, have to put up with,” he said in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message.
Dr Mahathir, who described the first day of Syawal as a day of victory over cravings, said overcoming desires was not restricted to withstanding hunger and thirst, but resisting all matters contrary to the teachings of Islam.
“There are times when the cravings thrust us into doing things which are prohibited, which tarnish our image as Muslims. But, Alhamdulillah, Islam is perfect. If observed with care, it will make us good and successful. Islam is not just a religion, it is ‘Ad-deen’ or a way of life.”
Dr Mahathir said the government pledged to put the country back on track.
“To achieve this, it has to exercise thrift and the people have to accept the need to be thrifty along with the government.”