PUTRAJAYA, March 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants all government official events to be held in moderation during Ramadan, in keeping with the spirit of the holy month.

Addressing the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly here today, he emphasised the importance of strengthening spiritual dimensions during Ramadan, not only through acts of worship but also by instilling integrity, discipline and honesty in daily life.

“Ramadan should be a time for self-reflection and extending aid to the less fortunate, rather than lavishing iftar events and other activities,” he said.

As such, he reminded ministries and government agencies to embrace moderation in official functions so that available funds could be used to assist those in need.

“I have noticed that sometimes, departments, agencies and government-linked companies provide contributions in an overly extravagant manner. For instance, beautifully designed packaging that may cost more than the contents, such as dates. This is a form of wastage,” he said.

Anwar further encouraged making Ramadan a time to cultivate the reading, comprehension and appreciation of the Quran, as it serves as a guide for mankind.

“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance in distinguishing between right and wrong.

“So let us take this opportunity to deepen our understanding and practice the teachings of the Quran,” he said.

The event was also attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

-- BERNAMA