Close to the heart
Like the Malay saying ‘jauh di mata, dekat di hati’ ,the children of this family in Rawang, Selangor, are not missing the chance to wish their grandparents Mohd Ghani Awang Seman, 66, and Fatimah Abdullah, 64, who are residing in Kuantan, Selamat Hari Raya through video call on the first day of Syawal.
KUALA LUMPUR: As the nation celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri with the nationwide movement control order taking effect yesterday until June 7, the King and his fellow Rulers have the frontliners and people’s welfare uppermost in their mind in the country’s fight to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a televised speech, Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said even though Hari Raya Aidilfitri has to be celebrated under the new norm again this year, it is for the common good and future of the country and its people.
The King said that such a sacrifice requires a high level of cooperation and patience in the spirit of brotherhood from all Malaysians.
“I am aware that the people have to comply with various regulations imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
“I have also seen and heard the grievances of the people affected by this period of tribulations.
“I do not want the harmonious society in Malaysia to be forgotten, to be followed by discord that sowed the seeds of conflict among the people amid what the country is facing,” he said.
In Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah reminded the people to never forget the heavy responsibilities and workload shouldered by the frontliners in the battle against Covid-19, and to appreciate their sacrifices by celebrating Hari Raya while being mindful of new norms, such as practising physical distancing and avoiding mass gatherings.
Sultan Nazrin and Raja Permaisuri Tuanku Zara Salim also expressed their appreciation to national security and defence personnel who enable Aidilfitri to be celebrated in a peaceful and cheerful atmosphere.
In Kedah, Sultan Sallehuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah said although the celebration this time is not the same as before, with state and district travel restrictions being enforced as well as no house visits allowed, it is still not a reason not to communicate with loved ones.
In his Raya message, the Ruler also urged the people to make use of technology to communicate with each other, especially during Aidilfitri, to strengthen bonds and friendships.
He also advised all citizens to register for the Covid-19 vaccine.
In Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin called on all Muslims to continue to practise the virtue of patience learnt during Ramadan.
He reminded the public to appreciate the sacrifices and services of various parties for the tireless effort in combating the pandemic so that Hari Raya can be celebrated in peace and harmony.
“The Sultanah (Sultanah Nur Zahirah) and I express our appreciation and pray for all their services to be accepted and blessed by Allah in this world and the hereafter,” he said.