Despite not feeling well, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi still kept his word to attend the Bagan Datoh Parliamentary constituency premier Quran tadarus ceremony.

Ahmad Zahid, who arrived at 11.15am wearing a white robe, also took part in the tadarus (taking turn reading the Quran during Ramadan) programme with 1,245 participants in Bagan Datoh.

"I promise I will attend the tadarus every year even if I am sick or ill. Prop me up and support me and I will come except if I am dying," he said in his speech when closing the tadarus ceremony here, today.

He said the solidarity of Muslims in Malaysia today was because there was no differences in the Islamic religious sect, only opinions and politics.

In this regard, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datoh Member of Parliament, called on Muslims to set aside political differences for the race, religion and the aspiration of turning Malaysia into a peaceful and prosperous nation.

"The difference in opinion can be overcome with tasawwuf (soul of Islam), indeed, it is a good method and we adhere to the teachings of the Quran," he said.

According to Ahmad Zahid, the capability to set aside difference in opinions and ideologies for Muslim unity would place Malaysia in a position of its own and praised by developed nations.

On the ceremony, Ahmad Zahid said it was the 21st edition and hoped the participation would go up to 2,000 next year.

"The Quran call upon us Muslims to become a community which uses the Quran as a way of life.

"Although it is held at Wisma UMNO, the attendees comprise those with different opinions because we are together under the name of Islam," he added.