PM breaks fast with Malaysians in Jeddah

From Nik Nurfaqih Nik Wil

JEDDAH, March 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim grabbed the opportunity to break fast with some 200 Malaysians residing here on the first day of Ramadan today.

The prime minister, who is on a three-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, arrived at the Consulate General of Malaysia here at about 6 pm local time.

He was accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Despite being in the Middle East, there was still a good spread of Malaysian delicacies served here, including kuih seri muka, and even the popular Malaysian drink of sirap bandung.

Anwar, in his brief speech, expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to visit the Kingdom during the month of Ramadan.

“It so happened that we get to celebrate Ramadan and also mingle with all of you. Hopefully, we can restore the country’s image (and) raise the dignity of Muslims in the country,” he said.

Almost 5,000 Malaysians are residing in Saudi Arabia, with about 800 of them living in Jeddah and Mekah.

Earlier today, Anwar had a chance to meet the local and Malaysian business community at the Islamic Development Bank headquarters here and called on the business community in Saudi Arabia to invest more in Malaysia now that it is under a stable government with clear policies.

-- BERNAMA