Some 60% of Malaysia's 30 million population would soon join their loved ones in person and in spirit to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Indeed it is a great moment, yet again, in this colourful nation of multiracial Malaysia to also witness joyful Muslims share their happiness with their non-Muslim Malaysians in the many Open House cheers that fill the Hari Raya season this year.
It is indeed a golden opportunity yet again for all of us to set aside our differences and hurt feelings and embrace this fellowship that Hari Raya offers, across all divides – race, religion, class, abilities, positions, politics and wealth.
Even if the prime minister's department made a mistake in inviting an imprisoned leader, why say it was a “mistake”? Take it as a genuine effort to invite the good, the bad, the ugly and the injured in an effort to put aside all hurt and guilt in this celebration that all Malaysians can and must share.
Celebrations in the name of religion and beliefs must unite humanity. Only then can we say it is God's chosen blessings for Malaysia.
As Muslims fulfil their religious obligations with their families and loved ones with prayers on the first day of Raya, they will also rejoice in the fact that many churches, temples and other places of worship will also see their respective believers offer prayers of blessings, hopes and goodwill for the Muslims in Malaysia. Rather than debate whether this is halal or haram, let us celebrate with thankful hearts that here is a nation of people that implores the heavens to bless and safeguard thirty million people who call this land their only home.
May all of us Malaysians who would be criss-crossing the nation this season of joy, enjoy safe travel. Patience, generosity and good behavior with a guarded defence of our physical conditions, will ensure that we safeguard the safety of other road users. Indeed, the long festive break offers Malaysians yet another opportunity to exercise care and concern for self and others on the road.
For our men and women who will be on duty this festive moment, let us also take time to wish them as we spot them on duty caring for us and the nation. Likewise, the Hari Raya season is also a golden moment to halt our disappointments for want of better service.
Profiteering businessmen taking advantage of the human propensity to spend generously this season, must be reminded that if they rob from their own citizens, there can be no reward in heaven for them. They must think like all wise and caring Malaysians, i.e. what good does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul ultimately.
Soon, we would all be back from the joyful rendezvous and have to get buried with work. The escalating cost of living and the empty purse strings will bite and bite hard till the next pay packet arrives. But if our politicians and those on the serving government lifeline will muster their will to make this nation a cleaner, more transparent, very accountable and flood both sides of the divide with goodwill, justice, honour and ethical behaviour, we will have even more reasons to celebrate in another thirty days as we mark our 58th national independence anniversary celebrations.
Selamat Hari Raya, Malaysia!
* J. D. Lovrenciear reads The Malaysian Insider.
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