'Happy Ramadan Al-Mubarak to all Muslims' - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today wished "Happy Ramadan Al-Mubarak" to all Muslims.

Najib, in his latest Twitter posting, also hoped that the fast to be performed by all Muslims during Ramadan would be accepted by Allah.

"Happy Ramadan Al-Mubarak to all Muslims. May your fast be accepted by Allah," he said.

Yesterday, the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, announced that Muslims in Malaysia would start fasting tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin called on Muslims to rid themselves of negative attitudes and habits such as wastage, jealousy, being hurtful towards others and vicious gossiping so that the holy month could be filled with more meaningful practices in promoting the teachings of Islam.

He said bad attitudes could weaken ties among Muslims and open doors for outside elements to infiltrate and undermine the Muslim community.

"Ramadan is a month to cleanse one's heart and soul from elements that could weaken it, which could ultimately affect the ummah (community)," he said in a statement, adding that Muslims must be united to take Malaysia to greater heights.

On another note, Muhyiddin said while the country was being tested by various tragedies like the recent earthquake in Ranau, Sabah and the missing MT Orkim Harmony oil tanker, the arrival of Ramadan this time should invoke the realisation among Muslims to always be prepared for eventualities and tests from the Almighty.

"Tragedies that befall us must be accepted positively although it is not easy to do so, especially for the victims and family members involved.

"However, each tragedy is a reminder and could be a blessing in disguise for us Muslims to be grateful for the good things we have no matter how small," he said.

In conjunction with Ramadan, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein urged Muslims to benefit themselves from the holy month by engaging in more religious and charitable activities.

"Be grateful that we can fast in a climate of peace and calm. Imagine the fate of our brethren in other countries mired in difficulties like war, oppression and brutality.

"Therefore, appreciate too the tasks of members of our security forces stationed at the border areas and all corners of the country as well as abroad in maintaining peace and security," he said.