KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has called on all Malaysians to embrace the spirit and meaning of Syawal to further instil the values of harmony among the communities in the country.
He said the Aidilfitri celebration should be an opportunity to strengthen relationships and forget about disputes.
“Aidilfitri is the best space for us to strengthen relationships and set aside differences, forgive one another, create a harmonious environment and together build a Madani nation that is filled with compassion and goodwill towards all Malaysians.
“I hope we can learn and glean insights from the teachings of Ramadan, which has just passed, and strive to continue to strengthen the unity among the people,” he said at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering at Istana Negara today.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah hosted the gathering, which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and his ministers.
More than 300 guests were present, including Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai as well as foreign dignitaries.
Meanwhile, Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy said the multi-ethnic festivals in Malaysia make the country truly unique.
She said through these celebrations, such as Aidifitri, society learns to respect each other’s religious beliefs and practices.
“Raya is not only celebrated by Muslims but also by all Malaysians. Many take the opportunity to visit their friends’ homes, even I am attending Raya celebrations at the palace.
“Celebrations such as this serve as an important platform for us to strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony, besides allowing us to learn the cultures and way of life of other ethnic groups and religions.” – March 31, 2025