PENANG, 5 July 2013 - Muslims must be united and build upon their existing strengths to remain strong. Only then can Muslims become stronger and able to compete with others.

According to the Deputy Minister of Health, Dato’ Seri Dr. Hilmi Hj Yahaya, the Malaysian Constitution states that the Malays in Malaysia must be a Muslim. Thus, as strong Muslims, the position of the Malays can be strengthened to ensure a balanced achievement for the country’s well-being.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony of ‘Sumbangan Amal Jariah dan Pengimarahan Masjid’ programme in conjunction with Ramadan 1434 to 206 ‘khariyah mesjid’ representatives in Penang to hold ‘moreh feast’ during Ramadan, Helmi said the government has succeeded in making numerous efforts to enhance the Islamic law, especially in the areas of fardhu kifayah such as Islamic economic development, Islamic banking and so forth.

"I believe we can advance the economic development of Muslims, especially in the villages by leveraging existing mosques, for example to open retail stores and 1Malaysia concept stores to meet the daily needs of the villagers," he said.

Hilmi added that other races are strong because they are united in fighting various issues of mutual interest whereas the Malays are often fragmented, and looking at the differences especially with regards to political belief, it is going to be difficult for them to build upon their existing strength.

He called for the Malays and Muslims to take advantage of the upcoming Ramadan month by involving in activities that build on their existing strength and forget about any differences, instead focusing on existing similarities so as to be able to compete and stand tall with others.

Also present was the Penang Development Department Deputy Director Abdul Aziz Ashaari, who together with the Implementation Coordination Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department were the main organisers of this event in collaboration with USM. -- Text & Photo: Mohamad Abdullah/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe