Apply Aidiladha spirit of sacrifice in daily life: Tengah

By Philip Kiew

LAWAS: Muslims should apply the Aidiladha spirit of sacrifice to daily life for a better future and spiritual growth, said Second Minister of Planning and Resource Management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.

Tengah said this when officiating at a Hari Raya Korban and mass circumcision ceremony at Punang, which was jointly organised by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Punang sub-branch and Surau Puang Jaya yesterday.

“Sacrifices in the whole spectrum of our lives, from proper time management for the priority tasks such as children’s education and at work, are the key to success,” he said.

The spirit of co-operation and voluntary sacrifice in the community, he said, are also vital to the success of all undertakings, irrespective of one’s age, background or location.

Sacrifice, he added, is an integral part of Islamic history since the days of the prophet Ibrahim.

Tengah said sacrifice and cooperation are necessary to resolve problems and cast aside animal instincts by upholding humanistic values.

“Animals don’t have the thinking and reasoning capacity of humans, and they are self-centred for their own survival like a tiger, which would not let go of food in front of it,” he said.

In human terms, he explained that ego and pride should be avoided as taught by Islam as Muslims should be responsible and community-centred to be close to Allah.

He said Aidiladha’s principle is the foundation of fellowship with Allah and the community as underscored by the emphasis of providing for the poor.

Meanwhile, Tengah commended the organising committee for holding the event, which also included the presentation of
academic excellence awards for the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR).

“Education and skills are the vital tools towards participation in this global era of ICT and K-economy, as without them, you would be mere spectators,” he pointed out.

He said the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) could provide up to 1.5 million jobs and Sarawakians should make use of the opportunities.

“Use our wisdom and equip our children with all the relevant technical skills needed in SCORE, and they can be part of these if they set their heart and minds to achieving their targets, and this calls for resilience and determination without any shortcuts,” he said.

On the integrated oil palm project under the 10th Malaysia Plan in Lawas, he said the project with infrastructure for ports, land development and others will generate many employment opportunities.

Kampung Bangkatan, Kuala Lawas and Punang have been earmarked for the Ladang Sejahtera concept. Three buffaloes and two goats were sacrificed and the meat was distributed to the poor.

Among those present were Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong and Lawas District Officer Mohd Supiah Hamdan.