KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Sept 2008: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings to the people and said the Barisan Nasional (BN) government will not fail them.
“The government realises that the people are uneasy with the current political situation because of the negative impact it has on them and the country, and I wish to categorically state that the government is committed to discharging the trust and responsibility given it by the people,” he said.
Muslims in the country celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri tomorrow (1 Oct).
The prime minister said that whatever the circumstance, the government would never neglect its duty of administering the country with prudence and dedication.
He reminded the people that the country had faced various trials and tribulations from even pre-independence days and that it had emerged victorious every time.
“Praise be to God, we have been able to overcome every trial and challenge. It can be said that each of the challenges and trials has padded us with more maturity, and given the country more resilience and strength to march on,” he said.
Abdullah, who is BN chairman and Umno president, said he regarded inter-racial unity as the core buttress that had enabled the country to face all the challenges and obstacles thus far.
He said Malaysia had proven to the rest of the world that people of various races and religions can live together in peace and harmony.
“As such, it was saddening when racial issues which can tear apart the fabric of unity that has been woven together all this while were raised of late.
“I wish to emphasise here the fact that this country belongs to all of us, every one of us. No citizen is recognised as being of a higher status than another in this motherland,” he said.
He also said he was convinced that all inter-racial and inter-religious issues and problems could be resolved through dialogue and discussions and by considering every issue and problem in a rational manner to find a solution.
“Everything is done on the basis of consensus, tolerance and mutual respect,” he said, adding that he was personally determined to undertake efforts to strengthen and maintain unity among the people.
Referring to the Aidilfitri celebration, Abdullah called on Muslims to strengthen the bonds of unity which had been nurtured and safeguarded all this while.
He said the people should stay calm and exercise patience to be able to react in a mature and rational manner should any issue or problem crop up.
“Do not succumb to emotions to the extent that we overstep our bounds. Remember that the unity amongst us was not achieved with ease but with much sacrifice and hard work,” he said.
Abdullah called on the people of all races to make the traditional “open house” visits during the Aidilfitri.
“Carry on with the practice of calling on one another and make use of this opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship in a cordial manner,” he said. — Bernama
