Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Heng Swee Keat delivered his Hari Raya greetings in Malay, saying that he was "proud that our Malay/Muslim community is united with the Government in our efforts to fight Covid-19".

The Finance Minister said that while the Malay/Muslim community will not be able to meet their beloved families this year, they can use technological platforms to strengthen family ties.

Greetings in a special Hari Raya segment

Heng was one of the five political leaders who delivered their Hari Raya Greetings on Mediacorp's Channel 5 and Suria on May 23 evening.

In their Hari Raya greetings, President Halimah Yacob, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Ministers Masagos Zulkifli and S Iswaran, and Heng acknowledged that the occasion would have to be celebrated differently due to the Covid-19 situation.

They commended the Muslim community for their resilience and encouraged Singaporeans to continue to find other ways of staying connected through digital means during this period.

Conveyed best wishes to leaders from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia

Separately, in a Facebook post today, Heng said that he conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations to friends and counterparts from the region.

Over the past few days, he spoke with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah of Brunei, Indonesian Vice President KH. Ma'ruf Amin, Malaysian Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry Azmin Ali, Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Bruneian Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Amin Liew and Bruneian Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Ali Apong.

Heng revealed that the leaders discussed how Covid-19 has had a significant impact on societies and economies, and the measures they have put in place to protect the people.

He also said that the leaders noted that it is important to celebrate the spirit of caring for and supporting one another.

Hari Raya greetings by PM Lee, President Halimah, Ministers Heng, Masagos & Iswaran

Below is the full text of the leaders' Hari Raya greetings on Channel 5 and Suria:

PM Lee Hsien Loong

"Good evening.

Our Muslim friends will celebrate Hari Raya a little differently this year because of Covid-19.

But you have found creative ways to meet family and friends, while keeping your loved ones safe.

May we all draw strength from one another during this festive period.

To all our fellow Muslim friends, may I say a very warm Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!"

President Halimah Yacob

"Good evening.

The end of Ramadan brings forth the warm festivities of Hari Raya, a celebration that is traditionally marked by seeking of forgiveness, house visits and enjoying the company of family and loved ones.

To the Muslim community, while we navigate through a different kind of celebration this year, let us make it one that is still full of meaning. Strengthen family bonds virtually, stay connected to enjoy festive activities together, yet in the comforts of our own homes.

Stay safe, so that we can all look forward to better celebrations ahead.

Selamat Hari Raya."

Minister Masagos Zulkifli

"Good evening everyone.

Ramadan has always been about developing resilience, and the spirit of mercy and compassion. This Hari Raya is even more meaningful as we stay united to keep everyone safe.

Despite a uniquely different Ramadan and Hari Raya, I am heartened to see families bonding together, and keeping ties warm with loved ones far and near through creative ways, thanks to technology.

My heartfelt wishes to our Muslim community including our migrant workers. Stay safe, healthy and happy.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir Batin!"

DPM Heng Swee Keat (translated from Malay)

"Hari Raya is an important and meaningful celebration for the Muslim community. Although we will not be able to meet our beloved families this year, you can use technological platforms to strengthen family ties. I am proud that our Malay/Muslim community is united with the Government in our efforts to fight Covid-19.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all Muslims in Singapore."

Minister S Iswaran (translated from Malay)

"Hari Raya this year is very different. Due to Covid-19, the Muslim community in Singapore will not be able to celebrate Hari Raya as usual.

Nonetheless, I am heartened by the resilience of our Malay/Muslim community, who have been able to find various ways of celebrating this special day through digital means. To add festive cheer, we have also prepared a few programmes, not only on Suria, but also on Channel 5 and radio, specially for you.

Let us overcome this situation together as one united people. While miles apart, we continue to be close at heart. With that, I wish all of you and your families, Selamat Hari Raya."

Top image via Ministry of Communications and Information