Rosmah Mansor, wife of the prime minister, today expressed the hope that aid given to the disabled, single mothers and the poor in the month of Ramadan would be extended also to non-Muslims under the 1Malaysia concept.

mahathir in ijn day two 101106 rosmah mansor "Blessings are showered during Ramadan not only on Muslims but also on every Malaysian regardless of race, religion and ethnicity," she said at the presentation of Aidilfitri goodies organised by the Cheras Education Foundation (YPC) in collaboration with the Cheras Umno division.

Rosmah said it was hoped that this tradition of giving to the needy would enable young people to learn of the importance of the values of unity which cut across race, religion and culture.

"The togetherness of all levels of Malaysian society in observing Ramadan will not have come about without sincerity, tolerance and mutual respect for the differences in cultures and religions of the various races," she said.

Aid given to 42 Indians, 50 Chinese

Rosmah said common values should be highlighted as differences would only destroy the future of multi-racial Malaysia.

She also called on corporate and non-governmental organisations to emulate the tradition of distributing "duit raya" (gifts of money) in accordance with the 1Malaysia concept, as practised by the YPC and Cheras Umno division.

At the function, Rosmah gave away "duit raya" of RM300 and goodies to each of 300 disabled persons, single mothers and poor folk from the Cheras area. Aid was also given to 42 Indians and 50 Chinese.

Cheras Umno division chief Syed Ali Alhabshee said this was the first time since 1994 that aid had been given also to non-Muslims.

"The duit raya will not only help to ease the burden of those celebrating Aidilfitri but also enable the needy non-Muslims to share in the joy of the festival," he told reporters.

- Bernama