Agong to open Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah will open the national level celebration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday at the Putra Mosque here on Thursday. Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) director Datuk Othman Mustapha said, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, cabinet ministers and foreign representatives were also expected to attend. "The theme for this year's celebration is 'Moderation Is The Pillar Of Muslim Unity'. The selection of this theme befits the government's effort to emulate the moderate and balanced approach pioneered by Prophet Muhammad SAW. "Moderation is the pillar of unity. It is also a catalyst, strengthens ties and portrays Islam as strong in the eyes of the world," he said in a statement Monday. Othman said, a procession and gathering would be held in conjunction with the celebration.