Saudi Arabia Needs To Be Oasis Of Stability For Muslim World

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak has expressed hope for Saudi Arabia to be an oasis of stability for the Muslim world. The prime minister said this when referring to the wave of unrest which hit the Middle East lately during a telephone conversation with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al-Saud on Monday. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office here on Tuesday, the conversation between King Abdullah and Najib, who was staying at the Mina Guest Palace in Mecca, began at 7.45pm local time and lasted for 25 minutes. Najib also conveyed his appreciation to King Abdullah for Saudi Arabia's hospitality towards Haj pilgrims in terms of facilities, comfort and safety. "The prime minister also prays that the King not only be blessed with long life but also good health to continue ruling Saudi Arabia and leading the Muslim world," said the statement. Meanwhile, King Abdullah, in the conversation, said all that he did was for the sake of Haj pilgrims and Muslims around the world. "He also praised the attitude, character and image of Malaysian pilgrims, saying they were the best group each year," the statement added. King Abdullah also stated his full support for Najib's leadership in Malaysia and hoped the prime minister would continue to lead the country for economic prosperity and the people's well-being. In the conversation, he described Najib as a Muslim leader who he considered a friend and brother. "The King and leaders of Saudi Arabia pray that the Malaysian prime minister and his wife (Rosmah Mansor), as well as other Malaysian pilgrims have obtained 'mabrur Haj' (properly-performed Haj)," said the statement. This is the second phone conversation between the two leaders, with the first earlier this year when Najib called from Kuala Lumpur to ask on the health of King Abdullah who was undergoing treatment in the United States. -- BERNAMA Malaysia