Make Prophet's Birthday Celebration Catalyst To Boost Nation's Transformation, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14  -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has invited Muslims to make Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration on Tuesday a catalyst to boost the nation's transformation in a holistic manner in all fields.

He said this was to give strength to a progressive people and make them a great nation, just like how the prophet was a great person.

"I pray for this Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration to really drive us to struggle to make gains in this world and the hereafter, as called for by the prophet," he said in his message in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad's birthday on Tuesday, on his www.1malaysia.com.my blog.

Najib said the "1Malaysia, 1Ummah" theme was most apt as history had proven that Prophet Muhammad, as the outstanding icon for mankind, gave priority to unity of the people of all races and religions in Medina.

"This lesson is being implemented in our country through the appreciation of 1Malaysia, 1Ummah," he said.

Najib said strength founded on this unity was the main ingredient which brought about a noble transformation for the Muslims in this country, and this message should be appreciated and disseminated to the whole Muslim world.



"In this era of globalisation, the impact of any crisis in other countries will be felt in our country," he said.



Citing the example of the strife in Egypt, the prime minister said the political crisis in that country had a direct effect on the 11,000 Malaysian citizens and students there.

He said that to ensure that the country's young assets and potential beneficiaries were safe, the government undertook a rescue mission swiftly and effectively in the face of various challenges and impediments.

"The mission to bring back Malaysians from Egypt went ahead. Unfortunately, however, a small group of people attempted to politicise this noble mission," he said.

However, that did not pose any hurdle to the government to carry on with the mission because it was of importance to ensure the safety of Malaysians there, he said.



"This national mission received the support of the private sector, the people and Egypt as well as Saudi Arabia in the spirit of cooperation of a very high degree.



"This is the Islamic teaching whose radiance emanates from the Messenger of Allah (God), Prophet Muhammad," he said.



Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also called on Muslims to strengthen unity and maintain harmony among themselves and all citizens of the country.



He said Muslims should accept the pluralism of race and religion in the country as an invaluable blessing of Allah.

Touching on the theme "1Malaysia, 1Ummah", he said 1Malaysia, which symbolised the harmony and unity among the people of various races and religions in the country, was a priceless blessing for all Malaysians.

1Ummah represented the unity of faith of Muslims, he added.

Tibi/bernama