PM Anwar Ibrahim Wraps Up Penang Visit with MADANI Aidilfitri Celebration, Stresses Unity and Regional Cooperation

Butterworth, The Gulf Observer: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim concluded his visit to Penang by attending the MADANI Aidilfitri Celebration 2025 at the state level in Butterworth, marking the third such celebration this week after similar events in Pahang yesterday and Kelantan earlier this morning.

In his address, the Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude and joy over the way Aidilfitri was celebrated across the three states, highlighting how the festive gatherings brought together Malaysians of all races in an atmosphere of peace, compassion, and mutual respect.

“This harmonious spirit clearly shows that the people reject divisive sentiments of hatred and racial or religious discord propagated by certain politicians lacking constructive ideas. In reality, Malays, Chinese, Indians, and the Orang Asli have no issue sharing a table free of jealousy or suspicion,” he said.

On Global Trade and National Response

Touching on global developments, the Prime Minister addressed recent concerns surrounding international trade following the announcement of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, which may significantly impact sectors like semiconductors, as 65% of Malaysia’s exports in that sector are destined for the U.S.

“We face a choice: to yield or to find a way out of this situation. I believe we must leverage our strong ties with the U.S., China, Europe, and ASEAN to formulate a comprehensive solution,” he stated.

He added that discussions with ASEAN counterparts in recent days have yielded promising alignment, with member states agreeing to act as a unified regional bloc in addressing shared challenges.

A Message of Reflection and Renewal

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister reflected on the uniquely Malaysian tradition of saying “maaf zahir dan batin” during Aidilfitri, noting that the phrase is not commonly used in other Muslim-majority countries.

“This expression signifies a heartfelt, sincere plea for forgiveness, stemming from the soul, and is a step towards self-improvement—not mere lip service,” he explained.

He expressed hope that this Aidilfitri season would serve as a time to foster goodwill, strengthen unity, and encourage all Malaysians to strive for personal and communal growth in the spirit of islah mas tata’tu (improvement to the best of one’s ability).

The event in Butterworth marked the final leg of the Prime Minister’s week-long tour of festive MADANI gatherings across the country, showcasing a vision of inclusive celebration and national cohesion.