Day: March 21, 2026

PM Anwar Welcomes Pakistan-Afghanistan Ceasefire, Urges Lasting Peace

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration and urged all parties to continue de-escalation efforts towards lasting peace. He conveyed the message during a telephone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while on his way back after a one-day working visit to Penang today. “At the same time, Malaysia also voiced concern over tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, and stressed the urgent need to halt escalation and prioritise dialogue,” he said in a Facebook post. Anwar also extended Aidilfitri greetings to Shehbaz and expressed commitment to further strengthening close ties and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Pakistan said it had temporarily suspended military operations in Afghanistan at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkiye in conjunction with Aidilfitri. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a statement that the temporary ceasefire began at midnight on Wednesday (March 18) and would last until midnight on Monday (March 23).

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebration and urged all parties to continue de-escalation efforts towards lasting peace. He conveyed the message during a telephone conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while on his way back after a […]

PM Anwar Urges Moderation, Compassion In Aidilfitri Celebrations

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the people to celebrate Aidilfitri in moderation and to be more mindful of the plight of those who are suffering, as the world faces geopolitical turmoil, especially in West Asia. He said Malaysia is not immune to the impact of the conflict in the region, stemming from the violent attacks by the Zionist Israeli regime, with the support of the United States (US), on Iran, the effects of which have spread to neighbouring countries. As such, he said, Malaysians must be more vigilant because the conflict will surely affect the prices of oil and goods, as well as the cost of living, putting pressure on the country's economy. "So, that's why the government will do its best to ease the people's burden. We are responsible for reviving the spirit of Ramadan and the values of caring for the poor,” he said in his 2026 Special Aidilfitri Address, which was broadcast live on all local television stations tonight. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said that with proper preparation and planning, the country remains optimistic about the economic position it has achieved, especially in recent years. "And we, the MADANI Government, will strive to defend and strengthen this position as challenges mount,” he said. Meanwhile, he also emphasised that Ramadan is a madrasah (school) that shapes character through morals and manners developed from acts of worship throughout the month. Anwar said the values and spirit instilled through the tarbiah (spiritual nurturing) of Ramadan must be sustained to enhance the inner strength of Muslims, which is an important prerequisite for Malaysia to move forward more swiftly and confidently. "The objectives of fasting, Maqasid al-Sawm, as outlined by renowned scholar Imam al-‘Izz bin ‘Abd al-Salam, contain wisdom and the goal of making this Ramadan madrasah a foundation for strengthening personal character and freeing oneself from the shackles of worldly desires,” he said. At the same time, the Prime Minister reminded the people to continue safeguarding unity and harmony in the face of differing views, positions and trials in the world, while stressing that the country's strength lies in unity of resolve, unity of hearts, wahdatul fikr (unity of thought) and wahdatul amal (unity in deeds). He said Malaysia was built on the foundation of diversity, and as such, traditions such as exchanging greetings, strengthening bonds and holding open houses during Aidilfitri, celebrated by all races, have become deeply ingrained practices in society. "On this day of celebration, let us resolve to realise the Malaysia MADANI agenda as a fundamental foundation to uplift human dignity, uphold justice, defend the principles of truth and ensure equitable prosperity and national security,” he said. The Prime Minister also called on Muslims to celebrate Aidilfitri in accordance with religious traditions and Malay cultural practices.

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the people to celebrate Aidilfitri in moderation and to be more mindful of the plight of those who are suffering, as the world faces geopolitical turmoil, especially in West Asia. He said Malaysia is not immune to the impact of the conflict in the […]

Ahmad Zahid Calls On Muslims To Strengthen Bonds Of Kinship This Aidilfitri

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Muslims to continue fostering love, strengthening bonds of kinship and extending sincere forgiveness to one another in conjunction with Syawal. In a Facebook post, he reminded the people to cherish the moments spent with family and loved ones during the Aidilfitri celebrations. He also prayed that the Syawal celebrations would bring blessings, peace and happiness to all Muslims. “I would like to take this opportunity, together with my wife, family, the staff at the Deputy Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, and all UMNO members, to convey my heartfelt wishes for a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H to all Muslims, wherever they may be,” he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged Muslims to celebrate Aidilfitri this year in a modest yet meaningful way. He said the world today was still grappling with conflicts across several regions, including in West Asia with the situation in Gaza‑Palestine, while tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States continued to affect regional stability. Fadillah said in Eastern Europe, the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict had yet to find a resolution, while in South Asia, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan further contributed to pressures on regional peace. He said the situation had affected not only global security, but also the world economy, causing disruptions in energy and food supplies, rising commodity prices, and volatility in international markets. Malaysia was also impacted, with higher living costs, disrupted supply chains, and mounting economic challenges, highlighting the need for careful and prudent management of expenditures, he added. “In these uncertain times, every penny we save holds great importance for our future and that of our family. “However, let this situation not diminish the joy of Hari Raya. True happiness lies not in extravagance, but in togetherness, sitting with family, forgiving one another, treasuring your loved ones, and strengthening bonds with friends of all backgrounds,” he said in a Facebook post. Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the MADANI Government had taken several prudent measures to help the people navigate the global crisis, including providing targeted subsidies and managing fuel prices responsibly despite the rise in world oil prices. In addition, he said the disbursement of Phase 2 of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) had been expedited, while Special Financial Assistance for civil servants had also been distributed. Fadillah said an additional public holiday has been declared to facilitate Aidilfitri preparations and travel to hometowns, aiming to ease the people’s burdens and bring joy during the festive season. “The government will continue to strive to ensure stability through price controls on essential goods, strengthening the social safety net, providing targeted assistance to the people and implementing measures to strengthen the domestic economy so that we are not overly dependent on external factors. Behind every policy and decision, there is a clear objective, to help the people lead better lives. “However, Malaysia’s strength lies not only in government policies, but also in its people. In this challenging times, let us continue to uphold the unity that has long been the nation’s pillar by respecting, helping, and understanding one another across races. This is our greatest strength. Do not let differences divide us; instead, let our diversity be a source of strength,” he said. Fadillah said Hari Raya, celebrated by Muslims tomorrow, is the best occasion for people to reconnect, extend forgiveness, and strengthen the bridges of unity. “This country will continue to be strong only if its people remain united, segulai sejalai,” he said.

KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Muslims to continue fostering love, strengthening bonds of kinship and extending sincere forgiveness to one another in conjunction with Syawal. In a Facebook post, he reminded the people to cherish the moments spent with family and loved ones during the […]