22 local artists, writers embark on umrah
SEPANG: For Baharuddin Buyung Kahar, the money he makes from selling goods at night markets is not enough for him to perform the umrah.
But, thanks to his contributions to the local artistic and literary scene, the author earned himself an opportunity to perform the pilgrimage under a special programme.
“I am grateful to be part of the programme as I never thought I would get the chance to perform the umrah. While I am happy, I am also nervous as it will be my first trip to Mecca,” said Baharuddin, who authored the seminal Malay novel Senjakala.
The umrah programme is the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who announced it last year during an iftar session with local artists, writers, national laureates and cartoonists.
“I earn between RM500 and RM600 a month. It is not enough for me to perform the pilgrimage as I have to support my family,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday.
Baharuddin was part of a 22member delegation comprising artists and writers flown to Mecca to perform the umrah.
His Senjakala novel was adopted by the Education Ministry as a compulsory literary text for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia students between 1988 and 1992.
“I attended a course with a friend and read books to prepare for the umrah.
“I am confident that my pilgrimage will run smoothly as our guides will assist us throughout the journey,” Baharuddin said.
The sending-off ceremony was attended by Yayasan Perdana Ummah chairman Datuk Rizal Mansor, who is the prime minister’s special officer.
Rizal said the foundation had initially planned to send more artists and writers to Mecca.
“The programme was scheduled to take off last year, but, due to several constraints, we had to postpone it to this month on the advice of the tour agent.
“We also wanted to ensure that the pilgrims were comfortable,” he said, adding that more people would be sent to Mecca under the programme.
“We hope this will not be a oneoff event as we want to send more people from the arts and entertainment scene to perform the umrah.”
Baharuddin was joined by comedian Hamid Gurkha and actor Sulaiman Yassin, known as Mat Over. Veteran singers Zaiton Sameon, Sahara Yaacob and Shima were also part of the delegation.