Don’t tarnish Malaysia’s image overseas, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reminds Malaysians to protect the country's image overseas as not to affect its standing with other countries. – The Malaysian Insider pic, June 21, 2015.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday reminded the people not to tarnish the country's image overseas because it will affect the confidence of other countries in Malaysia.

He said a good perception of Malaysia will benefit the country in various fields, such as education, the economy and technology.

"I recently returned from an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Malaysia was given the highest honour by King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud as according to the itinerary schedule, he wanted to welcome me at Jeddah Airport.

"But it was not to be as he had to rush to Riyadh for the funeral of his sister. He was replaced by the Crown Prince, senior ministers and a guard-of-honour was mounted by Saudi Arabia army at the airport."

Najib said this when distributing dates, zam zam water and baju Melayu cloth to mosques and surau at Masjid Jamek Batu 8, Jalan Gambang, in Pekan, Pahang.

Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

According to Najib, the recognition accorded by the King, who is also the custodian of the two holiest mosques for Muslims, the Nabawi Mosque in Madinah and the Grand Mosque in Makkah, showed that Saudi Arabia had high regards for Malaysia.

"This is proof of Malaysia's standing and this is something we must protect and improve upon.”

Najib, who is also the Pekan MP, earlier had performed the Isya' and Tarawih prayers together with residents of Pulau Manis.

Prior to that, when breaking fast at Masjid LKNP, Najib urged Muslims in Malaysia to "count their blessings" for the peace and harmony they are enjoying in the country.

He said not all Muslims can make a living in their own countries and had to flee to other countries to find a better life.

"The Rohingyas are willing to put their lives on the line and sell their properties just to come to Malaysia.

"When they arrived in Malaysia, they kiss the ground as if this land is paradise to them."

Najib said Malaysia promised good fortune to those who work hard.

"For example, today, I had the opportunity to visit the bazaar Ramadan in Pekan. Among the most popular food sold is the murtabak.

"I asked the murtabak seller, how many pieces he sold on the first day of fasting. He replied 400 pieces. Imagine if the 400 pieces can be sold over a period of five days." – Bernama