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09 May 2012| last updated at 07:54PM

Muslims angry with Bersih rally in Mecca, Medina



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The possibility that Saudi Arabia may restrict or suspend the entry of Malaysian haj and umrah pilgrims because of the Bersih rally in Mecca and Medina have angered Muslims.

They regard action by a group of Malaysians who organised the Bersih rally in the holy land as gross and had tarnished the image of the country, religion and race.

Homemaker Norlidza Abdul Ghafar, 48, said that she was angry, sad, and sick with the action of the group as they were only after wordly gain.

"Remember, we want to be the guest of Allah to complete the haj and umrah. Who will be responsible if Muslims die because they are prevented from going because of action by Bersih supporters?. Will it be Anwar? or Ambiga?

"This is an attempt to deny Muslims the opportunity to perform the fifth rukun of Islam.

"I believe that all Muslims in this country are angry and disappointed with what happened," said the mother of seven children from Kemaman, Terengganu.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom said yesterday, possibility of restriction on pilgrims was conveyed by the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Malaysia, Fahad A. H. Al-Rashid in a meeting on Friday.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said the Saudi Arabian government has asked Malaysia to take steps to ensure that its people did not participate in rallies in Mecca and Medina.

Anifah said that the Saudi Arabian government disclosed this via a diplomatic note dated May 3, issued by the embassy here.

Ex-policeman Sidek Salleh, 59, said action by the Bersih group was not only unfair to other Muslims but also affected good ties between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

"Are they all satisfied? What do they get? Iim very angry as it also affects people like me who don't support this evil group," he added.

Wan Huzaimi Wan Abdullah, 30, said stern action must be taken against those involved in the Bersih rally in Mecca and Medina to serve as a lesson to others.

"I'm very sad and disappointed with the action as it had strayed from their original goal when in the holy land," added the civil servant.

Meanwhile, Felda Travel Sdn Bhd haj and umrah consultant Haji Mohd Kamal Abdullah said he received calls from customers asking whether they could still perform the haj and umrah.

"I advised those registered with me for umrah or haj packages not to worry as the Malaysian government has good ties with the Saudi Arabian government," he said

For this year, it has received registration of 2,500 people for umrah packages and 350 people for haj packages.
- Bernama

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