Yii: Use Hari Raya to enhance family bonding, reflection
MIRI: Muslims are urged to use the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration held during these difficult times brought about by Covid-19 to enhance family bonding and connect with God.
Mayor of Miri City Council Adam Yii said the battle against Covid-19 was still on and although it seemed to be subsiding, there was still the fear of the second wave.
“We must be extra cautious. There must be no mass gathering and house-to-house visit this Raya. The Covid-19 pandemic that has brought so many deaths worldwide shows us how delicate life is.
“However, this is an opportune time for us to look inwards.
“It is a time for personal and family reflection, reconnect with God through prayers and meditation. It is also a chance for deeper family reconciliation,” said Yii in his Hari Raya message yesterday.
He added the people should not be carried away by pursuit of wealth, careers, and money, and forgetting the most important things such as relationship with God, with parents, spouses, children, extended families, relatives and friends.
“It is a difficult Raya this time but it can still be a deeply meaningful one. Family gatherings in small scale mean closer interactions.
“For those who are not able to get home due to travel restrictions they should connect with their parents and families online via video on social media or call them by phone,” he said.
Yii also urged the people to help ease the sufferings and burdens of those badly hit by the loss of jobs and income.
“Continue to be charitable and help those around us who are in need. So many have run out of money and even jobs during the past two months. Help them. Offer them food and drinks. Though visiting is not allowed, we can drop by to give them food while observing social distancing,” he said.
Yii, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) publicity and information secretary, said the council would not hold any Hari Raya gathering this year for fear of Covid-19.
“We must abide by the government’s directives to cut the infection chain. Nonetheless, my heart is with all my colleagues, party members as well as Muslims celebrating Hari Raya.
“Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all our Muslim brothers and sisters, colleagues, party members and friends and the people of Miri. May you have good health and joy and God bless you all.”