RAMADAN MONTH PROVES TO BE BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR, SAYS PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak says it is a common
misconception that the month of Ramadan provides some relief from the non-stop
rigours of work experienced during the rest of the year.

He says Ramadan consistently proves to be the busiest time of the year, and for
good reason.

"Hence, there is no rest in Ramadan. The fact is that this month grants Muslims
all over the world a special opportunity to be more reflective and fulfill their
spiritual needs," he says in his blog, www.1Malaysia.com.my.

Najib says this means that time should be spent more wisely, either with
prayers, or with work, as it is considered an "ibadah" (worship) as well.

"For me, as I reflect on how every minute of my time spent working impacts the
rakyat (people), it spurs me on to do my best in this holiest of months," he
adds.

Najib says his daytime schedule remains full as ever, with weekly Cabinet
meetings, appointments, and a recent Cabinet workshop on the National Key
Economic Areas (NKEAs).

Relating his experience of breaking fast, he says that for the first two days of
Ramadan, he has always made it a point to break his fast with his family and
there wasn’t an exception this year.

"Following these traditional two days, I take the opportunity to break my fast
for every day of the remaining Ramadan with the rakyat (people) - with various
groups representing the business sector, student groups, political groups,
government agencies, and other communities," he says.

Najib says that on weekends, he does his very best to return to Pekan, Pahang, -
his hometown and constituency - for these sessions.

"As 'buka puasa' (breaking-of-the-fast) events last until after the
'tarawih' prayer is performed, my day only officially ends after 10.30pm. I am
deeply satisfied since by attending these events I get to perform a full 30 days of
tarawih, and connect with my fellow Malaysians.

"Nevertheless, I feel that the 28 days of buka puasa events are not enough time
to fulfill all my engagements with the people. To address this, I have also
included some 'sahur' (pre-dawn meal) events to spend time with orphans and
other disadvantaged groups.

"My days have certainly grown longer but it is always delightful to be able to
mix and perform prayers with different groups. I appreciate these times in
Ramadan dearly," he says.
-- BERNAMA