Sabah: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today called on Muslims to use the month of Ramadan as a platform to cultivate integrity and self-discipline. He emphasized that the act of fasting during Ramadan instills the values of integrity and discipline, which strengthens piety and faith in Allah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted that fasting is an act observed between the individual and Allah, which inherently trains Muslims in integrity and discipline. “No one knows whether you are fasting or not-only you and Allah,” he remarked, underscoring the personal accountability that fasting requires. Speaking at the Sabah-level MADANI Iftar event at Padang Istiadat, Anwar was joined by notable figures such as Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick.

Anwar also pointed out that Ramadan offers lessons in humanity, as it exposes Muslims to challenges such as hunger and thirst, allowing them to understand the hardships faced by the less fortunate. He urged reflection on whether individuals have become more aware of their responsibility to assist the poor during this holy month. He expressed that Ramadan teaches Muslims the value of Rahmah (compassion) and stressed the importance of helping orphans and the needy so they can celebrate Aidilfitri with joy.

He further encouraged Muslims to make mosques lively and fulfill their obligations of paying zakat (tithes) to support those in need. Anwar emphasized that zakat is a crucial economic tool for aiding those in difficult circumstances, highlighting the ongoing presence of individuals living in dire conditions.