MUSLIMS must practise self-control in the fasting month and resist the temptation for all forms of self-gratification, including corruption and bribery,  said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his monthly address to civil servants today.

The holy month of Ramadan was not merely about abstaining from food and drink, but also from indulging in morally incorrect activities, such as graft, he said.

“If we cannot resist temptation, we will face a lot of problems. For example, if we are involved in graft and we know that bribery is bad, prohibited and sinful, and yet we could not resist.

“On that note, we will become weak individuals,” said Dr Mahathir.

The 93-year-old leader urged civil servants to continue to live a life free of corrupt practices even after Ramadan.

Only those strong enough to resist temptation could succeed, he said.

He said there are plenty of ill and unhealthy things that could tempt and lead one astray.

Ramadan, he said, is also the best time to practise self-control, as Muslims have to fast for most of the day.

Non-Muslims also have similar practices in their faiths, with the same ultimate goal – that is, to resist temptation.

He reminded civil servants that upholding integrity and staying corrupt-free at all times will open up more opportunities and doors for the nation. – May 6, 2019.