Fasting not an excuse for lack of energy, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today reminded fellow Muslims not to use Ramadan as an excuse for lack of energy.

Rather, he said, Muslims should learn from Islam's history, "how Rasulullah achieved many successes including in war even while observing the third of the Islamic principles."

"This month should also teach us to be more sensitive to the plight of the needy including the elderly, differently-abled and the poor who we should provide assistance as much as possible during this blessed month," he said.

The prime minister said this at Masjid Kampung Nenasi in Bebar here Saturday, in conjunction with the presentation of aid to 179 senior citizens and 370 single mothers, orphans and new converts.

He also joined 1,500 residents, Pahang State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Ishak Muhamad and Bebar assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Fakhruddin Mohamad Ariffin for buka puasa there.

Najib, who is also Pekan MP, said Muslims in Malaysia should be grateful for being able to observe Ramadan in a peaceful and harmonious environment.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Fakhruddin said residents in Nenasi appreciated the prime minister's gesture to spend time with them despite his busy schedule in regard to the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar parliamentary by-elections.

"The constituency is also very fortunate to receive a sizeable allocation for upgrading of roads and repair of mosques and so on," he said.