PM Anwar Donates 260 Sacrificial Cattle For Needy In Permatang Pauh

BUKIT MERTAJAM, May 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today donated 260 sacrificial cattle in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha for distribution to the needy in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary constituency.

Of the total, 155 cattle were distributed under the Korban MADANI programme across three state constituencies in Permatang Pauh, namely Seberang Jaya (54), Penanti (67) and Permatang Pasir (34), while the remaining 105 were donated to the Seberang Perai Tengah District Mosque.

The Prime Minister said the sacrificial rite was not just a religious ritual, but carried a broader message of obedience to Allah SWT, as well as the enduring spirit of sacrifice and perseverance in life.

“Firstly, it is an act of obedience to Allah SWT. Secondly, (it reflects) the spirit of sacrifice, as life is meaningless without patience and perseverance.

“This additional strength (makes) the act of worship more beneficial to the community. It is true that the sacrificial rite is an act of worship, but it also benefits families and the wider community,” he said at the sacrificial cattle distribution ceremony here today, which was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said a new approach was introduced this year in the implementation of the sacrificial ritual, with financially able participants contributing part of the cost to help ensure its success.

According to him, the approach would help participants gain a deeper appreciation of the meaning of sacrifice, as they also contribute directly to its success.

He said appreciation of the sacrifice should also be reflected in efforts to support the people, particularly the poor, the underprivileged and those facing hardship.

“So while we have the ‘rezeki’, we should use it to ease the burden of the community around us. That is why, when I was entrusted to lead, I felt we could not simply wait for the poor or persons with disabilities to send us a ‘memo’ before taking action.

“The true spirit of sacrifice is to make use of available space and opportunities to assist as many groups as possible, particularly those who are left behind, the poor and the needy,” he said.

On the issue of sacrificial cattle allocation, which has become a talking point, Anwar, who is also the Tambun Member of Parliament, said in jest that he also distributed similar assistance in his constituency, but Permatang Pauh would always hold a special place in his heart.

Earlier at the sacrificial cattle distribution ceremony for the Permatang Pasir state constituency at Masjid Al-Falah, Pengkalan Tambang, the Prime Minister was also accompanied by his children and grandchildren, who took time to meet and interact with local residents.

Anwar also inspected the progress of the Masjid Jamek Cherok Tok Kun project, which is expected to serve as a centre of worship, knowledge and unity for the local community, before later handing over sacrificial cattle to community representatives in Cherok Tok Kun.

The Prime Minister also made a brief visit to his family home in Cherok Tok Kun, where he spent time catching up with family members and relatives.

--BERNAMA