Foster greater unity and work together to further develop the nation, says Anwar

By: Patrick Beech

In conjunction with the Hari Raya celebrations, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar has called on the people to enhance the spirit of unity and work together to further develop the country.

"In conjunction with (Hari Raya) Aidilfitri, let us foster greater unity and work together to develop this beloved country.

"I believe that when the people are united, we can preserve the dignity of the country and live in a united atmosphere with peace and prosperity," he said in a post on his Facebook page.

Accompanying the post is a video of the premier wishing "Eid Mubarak" to the Muslims in the country and worldwide, who will be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is expected to fall on Saturday.

Earlier, Anwar also declared an additional public holiday in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri to make it easier for people to make preparations for the festival and to return to their hometowns.

The prime minister said if 1 Syawal falls on Friday (April 21), the government would fix April 24, Monday, as the additional public holiday under Section 8 of the Holidays Act 1951 for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

If 1 Syawal falls on Saturday (April 22), the government would fix Friday, April 21, as the additional public holiday, he said.

“For Sabah and Sarawak, the state governments can declare the public holiday on the relevant date in accordance with their respective Public Holiday Ordinance,“ Anwar added.