KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that narrow-minded thinking and hasty decisions pose serious challenges to the nation progress.
"Narrow-minded thinking will sink us. At the same time, rash and unwise thinking will become a challenge for us," he said at the opening ceremony of the 64th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly held at the World Trade Centre here today.
"We must be committed to understand the meaning and need for unity, understanding, patience, and wisdom among us when taking any decision," Anwar said, lamenting the turbulent state of the Muslim world, particularly the violence in Gaza.
"That is why the Madani government nurtures a resilient spirit of unity, ensuring there is understanding and peace between Muslims and non-Muslims in the country," he added.
Anwar concluded by linking national unity to economic prosperity, explaining that only through unity and peace can Malaysia build a strong and sustainable economy.
"(Unity) is the precondition for us to develop a sustainable economy that is not only strong but also guarantees comfort to the people, especially those who are poor or marginalised," he said.
The 64th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorisation Assembly (MTHQA), with the theme of "Al-Falah (holistic success) Drives Malaysia Madani, " is held from Oct 5 to 12.
The assembly will see a total of 92 participants from 71 countries, with 53 reciters and 39 memorisers will compete in ther respective categories.
The opening ceremony included a stunning recital by five-time champion Malaysian reciter Rahmas Abdullah as well as a nasyid performance by the Malaysian Armed Forces Religious Corps (Kagat).
This year, Malaysia sends four participants: Mohamad Husaini Mahmur from Negeri Sembilan and Nor Hidayah Abd Rahman from Terengganu for recitation and Muhammad Rifae'i Mat Zuki from Kedah and Putri Aminah Mohd Hanif from Kelantan for memorisation.