PM ANWAR JOINS MUSLIMS IN JOHANNESBURG FOR FRIDAY PRAYERS AT HOUGHTON MOSQUE

From Saraswathi Muniappan

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Malaysian delegation today joined the local congregants for Friday prayers at the Houghton Mosque here in South Africa.

“I had the opportunity to meet the mosque committee and congregants who welcomed us with warmth, respect and genuine brotherhood.

“Such closeness reminds us that Islam consistently calls for goodness, compassion and solidarity across borders,” he said in a statement after the prayers.

As a gesture of appreciation, Anwar presented a special-edition copy of the Quran and 24 copies of its English translations for the use of the local Muslim community.

“My highest appreciation to our brothers for their gracious hospitality towards me and the Malaysian delegation. May this relationship continue to strengthen on the basis of kindness, compassion and the beauty of Islamic teachings we uphold together,” he said.

Earlier, the Prime Minister also met South African Islamic leaders, during which they discussed potential collaboration in the halal sector, including halal certification development and capacity-building initiatives to benefit the local Muslim community.

Anwar is currently in Johannesburg on a four-day working visit to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit at the invitation of President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.

-- BERNAMA