Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the concept of sacrifice for Aidiladha should not be limited to the slaughtering of sacrificial animals but needed to be translated into a wider scope.

He said this act of sacrifice needed to be seen as a concept that enjoined Muslims to also sacrifice for their religion, people and country.

"We should look at sacrifice from the small scope of sacrificing animals to a wider scope in every moment of our life.

NONE "For instance, we must sacrifice by contributing more of our energy, thoughts, expertise and time for the country's transformation in various fields like economy, education, social and politics.

"These include the New Economic Model, Economic Transformation Programme and National Key Result Areas aimed at bringing prosperity to the people," said Najib ( right ) at the handing-over of several heads of cattle as sacrifice for the Pekan parliamentary constituency in Pekan today.

Also present were the prime minister's wife Rosmah Mansor, Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and Pahang Umno divisional leaders.

A total of 659 heads of cattle were contributed by 20 companies to be distributed to 14 Umno divisions in Pahang and 55 mosques in the Pekan constituency.

Najib said the philosophy of Aidiladha sacrifice stressed on unity of the ummah (Muslim community) built on faith, which could help strengthen relations among people of different races and religions in this country as aimed for under the 1Malaysia concept.

"From another aspect, sacrifice is a very good way to foster harmony and love in society, such as through organising gotong-royong to slaughter the animals and distribute the meat, and to hold thanksgiving feasts.

"We must be able to make sacrifices as what we aim for will not become a reality without us doing anything," he said.

- Bernama