PM advises pilgrims to keep away from negative elements

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Najib (second left) shaking hands with the pilgrims when seeing off the sixth batch of 279 pilgrims at the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya. — Bernama photo

Najib (second left) shaking hands with the pilgrims when seeing off the sixth batch of 279 pilgrims at the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya. — Bernama photo

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday advised Malaysians going on the pilgrimage to keep away from negative elements out to tarnish Malaysia’s image.

He said the pilgrims should also adhere to all the regulations and laws of the Saudi Arabian government during their pilgrimage.

“The pilgrims should make use of the opportunity well and avoid wasting time indulging in activities that do not benefit them,” he said when seeing off the sixth batch of 279 pilgrims, scheduled to leave yesterday at the Tabung Haji Complex in Kelana Jaya here.

Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Malaysia Datuk Fahad Abdullah Hamad Al-Rashid, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim were also present.

The prime minister said the pilgrims should spend their time in undertaking their obligations in the Holy Land.

Najib said he hoped that Muslims in Malaysia would remain united without looking at differences that could divide them and jeopardise harmony among the multiracial population of the country.

This year, 22,320 Malaysians are scheduled to perform the pilgrimage. They will be taken to the Holy Land in 64 flights of Malaysia Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.

The last flight from Malaysia to the Holy Land will depart on Sept 16. All the pilgrims are scheduled to return to Malaysia between Sept 29 and Oct 27. — Bernama