‘Ramadan marred by those imposing their thinking on others’

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Baru Bian

Baru Bian

KUCHING: This month of Ramadan has been marred by several incidences where certain individuals have attempted to impose their thinking on others, claimed state Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman Baru Bian.

“Many Malaysians are disappointed that our leaders did not take the bold and courageous stand to state that we are a secular country and that moderation is essential to maintain the harmony that has existed between the races for many years,” the Ba Kelalan assemblyman said in a Hari Raya Aidilfitri message yesterday.

According to him, the country has been rocked by financial scandals and claims of corruption over the past few weeks, while the people have had to deal with the rising cost of living.

He claimed that the temptation of wealth had gotten the better of certain leaders and this was a reflection of the enormous challenge faced by the nation.

“This Aidilfitri, as we mark the triumph of self-restraint and abstinence, let us pray that we will one day have leaders who will reject the temptation of corruption and greed. Only then can we truly celebrate a victorious Aidilfitri.”

According to him, fasting is a deeply personal and private matter that helps the faithful develop an awareness of the self, thus freeing themselves of ego.

“Christians and Muslims have a common underlying element and therefore the practice of fasting should encourage us to be mutually understanding and respectful of each other’s rights and to accept our differences in this diverse and colourful country,” he said.

Baru said Malaysians of all faiths fast as part of their religious duties.

“Christians are guided by Matthew 6:16-18, which states ‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

“‘But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’.”

On fasting for Muslims, he quoted renowned scholar and philosopher Tariq Ramadan, who said: “We must master our egoism, and through this mastery, step outside ourselves and educate ourselves in giving. Fasting requires that we rediscover all that is alive around us, and reconcile ourselves with our environment.

“Instead of looking outside of ourselves and counting potential enemies, fasting summons us to turn our glance inward, and to take the measure of our greatest challenge: the self, the ego, in our own eyes and as others see us.”