Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak yesterday reminded the people not to tarnish the country's image overseas because it will affect the confidence of other countries in Malaysia.

He said a good perception of Malaysia will benefit the country in various fields, such as education, the economy, and technology.

"I recently returned from an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Malaysia was given the highest honour by King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud as according to the itinerary schedule, he wanted to welcome me at Jeddah Airport.

"But it was not to be as he had to rush to Riyadh for the funeral of his sister. He was replaced by the Crown Prince, senior ministers, and a guard of honour was mounted by Saudi Arabia army at the airport."

Najib said this when distributing dates, zam zam water and baju Melayu to mosques and surau in the Pekan parliamentary constituency at Masjid Jamek Batu 8, Jalan Gambang.

Also present were his wife Rosmah Mansor and Tabung Haji chairperson Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

According to Najib, the recognition accorded by the King who is also the custodian of the two holiest mosques for Muslims, the Nabawi Mosque in Madinah and the Grand Mosque in Makkah, showed that His Majesty had high regards for Malaysia.

"This is proof of Malaysia's standing and this is something we must protect and improve upon," he said.

Najib, who is also the MP for Pekan, earlier had performed the Isya' and Tarawih prayers together with residents of Pulau Manis in Pekan.

Prior to that, when breaking fast at Masjid LKNP here, Najib urged Muslims in Malaysia to "count their blessings" for the peace and harmony they are enjoying in the country.

He said not all Muslims can make a living in their own countries and thus had to flee to other countries to find a better life.

"The Rohingyas are willing to put their lives on the line and sell their properties just to come to Malaysia.

"When they arrived in Malaysia, they kiss the ground as if this land is paradise to them."

Najib said Malaysia promised good fortune to those who work hard.

"For example, today, I had the opportunity to visit the Bazaar Ramadan in Pekan. Among the most popular is the murtabak.

"I asked the murtabak seller how many pieces he sold on the first day of fasting. He replied, 400 pieces. Imagine if the 400 pieces can be sold (daily) over a period of five days."

- Bernama