KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has described the opportunity to perform the umrah in the early hours of yesterday morning as a responsibility, not a personal privilege, to do his best so that Muslims in Malaysia can visit Mecca once again.
He said he understood the longing among Malaysian Muslims to return to the Holy Land, adding that he is deeply grateful for the opportunity to perform the umrah.
“While in the Kaabah and performing the umrah, I prayed on behalf of Muslims in Malaysia so that we will always be under His protection, the whole world be free from the pandemic, and for Muslims to have the opportunity to return to the Holy Land as Allah’s guests,” he said in a Facebook post.
Muhyiddin is in Saudi Arabia for a four-day official visit starting Saturday at the invitation of Saudi Arabia King and Two Holy Mosques Custodian King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
The prime minister was also given the opportunity to enter the Kaabah.
Muhyiddin, who is the first foreign government head allowed to enter the Kaabah after it was closed for more than a year due to the Covid-19 outbreak, also shared a video of his umrah with wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.
He said the kind gesture by King Salman in allowing him to enter the Kaabah made him emotional and grateful, adding that it is proof of the kingdom’s sense of brotherhood and respect for Muslims in Malaysia.
He said the Saudi Arabia government pays serious attention to healthcare among Muslims, and believed that the land of the prophets will soon be enlivened again with followers of Islam performing the umrah and making the pilgrimage.
“On behalf of the Malaysian government, I thank His Highness King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince His Highness Mohammed Salman for inviting me to Saudi Arabia.”
Muhyiddin said he and his wife will also visit Prophet Muhammad’s tomb in Medina and Nabawi Mosque before embarking on the official programme of his visit to the kingdom.
The prime minister will also be undertaking a four-day official visit from tomorrow to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to meet Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Dubai ruler. – Bernama, March 8, 2021
