KUALA LUMPUR: The government cannot combat inflation alone and Keluarga Malaysia is urged to join forces to ensure the nation's economic recovery.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government was trying its best to tackle the impact of global inflation, which included the setting up of the Special Task Force on Jihad against Inflation.
The task force took on the role of unifying all relevant ministries and agencies to immediately resolve the hardship faced by Keluarga Malaysia, he said.
"This is our collective jihad to ensure that the country's economy rebounds," he said during a special Hari Raya Aidiladha address aired live on national television networks tonight.
Ismail Sabri hoped that the 14,000 Malaysian pilgrims in Mecca will be able to perform the haj smoothly and they would be blessed with 'mabrur' (accepted by God) haj.
The Hari Raya Aidiladha this year would be significant to Muslims who were able to fully celebrate the occasion after two years of facing the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.
The great story of the esteemed Prophet Ibrahim Alaihissalam and his son, Prophet Ismail Alaihissalam, was a lesson that must be appreciated by all Malaysian families in facing the challenges of daily life, he said.
"Hari Raya Aidiladha gives great meaning to Muslims. It is closely related to repentance, sacrifice, togetherness and gratitude.
"With these values, we can continue to live a more harmonious life despite the uncertainties of the world today.
"Hari Raya Aidiladha also teaches the ummah to be grateful for the blessings bestowed by Allah, to sacrifice to help the needy and to be aware of the fate of the poor by doing good so that they are not neglected.
"This is in line with the Keluarga Malaysia concept that I started in August last year to ensure that no one will be left behind," he said.
The differences in political understanding among the people, he said, must be put aside.
At the same time, repentance and gratitude should be shown together in enhancing the dignity of Islam, as well as fostering good relations with friends of other races and religions, he added.
"Let us pray that with the spirit of sacrifice practised by Keluarga Malaysia, we will be able to make this country resistant to challenges, strong and continue to move forward in the face of any situation and challenges ahead," he said.
The world today, he said, was facing economic challenges, which, among others, stemmed from geopolitical conflicts and global climate change.
That, he said, had disrupted the lives of all, but he assured the people that the government would give its listening ear and keep its pulse on Keluarga Malaysia.
Ismail Sabri said the spirit of tolerance based on the Islamic concept of "tasamuh" had become an important element in keeping the unity and wellbeing of Keluarga Malaysia.
An open-minded attitude, he added, allowed the people to continue to progress and prevented squabbles that would only put the ummah at a loss.
"The value of 'tasamuh' is also embedded closely in haj matters. It does not differentiate the status or ranks of one another and it also portrays a big family that is harmonious, peaceful and united.
"The willingness to sacrifice wealth to assist the poor is a virtue called for by Islam. It is a symbol of our obedience, piety and servitude to the Almighty Creator," he said.