PUTRAJAYA — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged Malaysians to foster better relationships among different races and religions, emphasising the need for mutual respect.
In his Hari Raya Aidilftiri message tonight which was broadcast live on television and radio, Anwar said without respect, the country cannot attain stability.
“In conjunction with Ramadan and Aidilfitri Mubarak, we need to emphasise the need to foster better relationships among races and religions, and we need to defend this.
“Without respect as well as kindness and love towards one another, our country wil not be able to ensure the stability and peace that we hope for,” said Anwar.
Muslims will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri tomorrow, as announced by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal earlier this evening following the sighting of the moon.
In his address, Anwar added that as Malaysia continues to foster economic development, the country’s “strength” would be measured by whether it can successfully uplift the quality of life of the masses.
The prime minister’s message on improving interracial harmony comes as sentiments were riled up over the relocation of the 130-year old Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman Temple in the Masjid India area in the capital city to make way for a mosque.
The temple issue has been resolved with the temple’s management committee agreeing to relocate the building to a new site 50 m away from its original location.
Anwar in his message tonight also reminded Muslims to be attentive towards the hardship faced by their neighbours and the marginalised, making special mention of Gazans in the on-going Israel-Palestine war. – March 30, 2025