KUALA LUMPUR: Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was today announced as this year's national-level Tokoh Maal Hijrah.
The Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Prof Dr Ahmad Tayyib, meanwhile, was named the Maal Hijrah international icon.
This was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri at the national-level Maal Hijrah celebration at the National Mosque here today.
Both award recipients received a trophy as well as a certificate of appreciation from the government.
The awards were presented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah.
The King was accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
Also in attendance was Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Dr Zulkifli said the selection of the two personalities was based on their significant contributions towards upholding Islam on both the local and international stage.
The theme for this year's Maal Hijrah celebration was "Ummah Rabbani Negara Harmoni", which draws on Malaysia's identity of a harmonious and diverse country and the need for strong human capital, knowledge and efficiency in governance.