PM joined thousands of Muslims for 'Pray for Malaysia'

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and thousands of Muslims thronged Dataran Merdeka here tonight for the 'Pray For Malaysia' event in conjunction with the 2016 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

Najib who was attired in a white robe and 'kopiah' (white skull cap) arrived at 8.30pm and 'was greeted by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Also present were Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

The programme which entered its third year and co-organised by the Communications and Multimedia Ministry, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Kuala Lumpur City Hall is the opening event in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.

The programme which was also aired 'live' by RTM channel and Nasional fm began with the Isha prayers followed by a solat Hajat (special prayers) led by Federal Territory Mufti Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al Bakri.

It followed with reciting a prayer towards strengthening solidarity among the people and keeping away from any negative elements, which was led by Department of Islamic Development Malaysia director Tuan Asmawi Tuan Umar.

The essence of the prayer was for the country to be free of any defamation and Daesh extremists, which can cause disunity and political instability.

Participants were also entertained to the selawat Qasidah and Tawsiah which was led by two famous Indonesian preachers, Habib Syech Abdul Qadir Assegaf and Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin, accompanied by local nasyid group Al-Mawlid.

With fine weather since morning, the programme ran smoothly with the the tens of thousands of people present waving the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) to enliven the event.