Pilgrims thankful for 1MDB Haj sponsorship, say Dr M is 'wrong'

1MDB's sponsorship of Haj pilgrimage should not be politicised, three recipients of the programme told Malaysiakini today.

Tengku Zakaria Tengku Ismail, 60, an imam from Terengganu, said he was thankful for being chosen to benefit from the programme by 1MDB, as it without it, he would only be slotted to perform his Haj in 2030.

"This is the first time I am going and I am thankful for being able to go with the quota given by 1MDB."

He also disagreed with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's view that the obligations of those who perform their Haj using 1MDB funds will not be accepted.

Tengku Zakaria said Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria was right in saying that only God could determine whether a pilgrim's religious vows are accepted or not.

"For me, as long as I fulfill the rukun haji by abiding the do's and don'ts, it would be up to God to decide as I have fulfilled the conditions."

His friend from Besut, Ramli Zainal Abidin, 61, agreed.

"To me, what he (Mahathir) said is not accurate as it is God who decides whether we fulfill our obligations. He has no right to say things like that to politicise (the matter).

"I am proud that the government is doing this, to recognize our efforts in leading the community," said the village security and welfare committee chairperson.

Another recipient, Imam Abdul Hamid Mohd Zin, from Sungai Siput, Perak, concurred with the friends.

"I am happy and thankful that I can go as I can never imagine being given the opportunity to perform Haj for the first time."

"I feel it is improper for him (Mahathir) to make such accusations as all this would depend on Allah," the father of seven said.

A total of 1,200 recipients nationwide received their letter of offer to perform haj from the 1MDB foundation earlier today.

Also present at the function was 1MDB chairperson and treasurer-general Irwan Serigar Abdullah and 1MDB president Arul Kanda Kandasamy.- Mkini