Recognition as authentic Islamic nation enables M’sia to enjoy numerous privileges – Najib

PEKAN: The highest recognition to Malaysia as an authentic Islamic nation enables us to enjoy numerous religious and economic privileges, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

For example, Najib quoted the recognition from the Saudi Arabian king, King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who increased the haj quota for Malaysians and positive response to Malaysia’s request to build two haj complexes in Makkah and Madinah.

Meanwhile, economically, Najib said the decision of Saudi Aramco to invest RM31.08 billion in the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) Project in Pengerang, Johor would be a capital injection to Malaysia other than the setting up of the King Salman Centre of International Peace (KSCIP) in Malaysia.

“He (King Salman) could have picked any nation but why did he pick Malaysia? This is what we should ask and the answer is because of what we practise here.

“What we do in the name of Islam, our policies which are regarded as the best islamic modules. We are recognised as authenthic Islam and for our moderate approach. Those are what he (King Salman) views highly.

“We profit both in terms of Islam and the national economy,” he said in his speech when closing the islamic Organisation Leadership Seminar and handing over contributions to Mosques and Surau in the Pekan Parliament at the Pekan Umno Amphitheatre Hall here yesterday, which was participated by 723 people.

Najib added that the recognition also enabled him to be among the five leaders out of 51 national leaders who were given the opportunity to deliver their addresses at the ArabIslamic-US Summit in Riyadh, recently.

“I was the last debator to deliver a speech for the nation. This was following King Salman’s visit to Malaysia (prior to this) and from the visit, Malaysia received better treatment and special consideration,” he said. — Bernama