PUTRAJAYA, March 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today praised the Foreign Ministry for its achievements in strengthening Malaysia’s image and influence on the global stage.
He said despite a busy schedule, Wisma Putra has successfully carried out the responsibilities and efforts of the Madani Government in raising the country’s image on the international stage.
The prime minister said that the success was based on his visits abroad, including among Asean members.
“Thanks to the staff of Wisma Putra who were able to demonstrate their proud efforts, despite being burdened with much greater tasks than in previous years.
“(Based on) my experiences together (with Wisma Putra staff) in visits abroad (including Asean countries), I see a performance that is proud not only for me but also for the country,” he said in his speech at the Prime Minister’s fast-breaking ceremony with Foreign Ministry staff here today.
Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Anwar’s wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar said Wisma Putra, led by Mohamad, essentially links visions and policies between Malaysia and foreign countries.
“No joke, it’s a serious note to the foreign minister. I said when the Prime Minister sends an invite, not all ambassadors attend, but when the foreign minister sends an invite, I see so many attend without fail, because of the strength and influence of our foreign minister, and the ministry, of course,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Ramadan in Malaysia is unique compared with other countries, as here, non-Muslims are invited to break fast with Muslims.
He said non-Muslims also respect their Muslim friends, where some of them do not even eat in front of their fasting friends.
“From the time I was a kid in Penang, I hardly saw my close colleagues, the Chinese and Indians, eating in front of me. Somehow they would avoid us, they would go somewhere far away to (eat),” he said.
Anwar said Ramadan is considered Madrasah Tarbiyah, which means without exception, every Muslim must come back to the “school” to ensure they enhance their spiritual discipline and integrity.
“This sense of discipline among Muslims to me is remarkable because you are trained from a very early age that when you perform this ibadah (worship), you are answerable to God, because you can always break your fast along the way.
“May God bless us and ensure our Ramadan gives us that necessary push that we must be better after 30 days of intensive “training”. Muslims generally are expected to enhance their ability to be better people, to be more caring, and to understand the essence and meaning of justice,” he said.
— Bernama
