Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said the national leadership was gaining more recognition and respect worldwide, especially among Muslim nations because of the national policies which provide facilities to the people of the countries concerned.

He said Saudi Arabia, for example, looked highly on Malaysia to the extent that an important Malaysian company was given the trust to implement major projects in that country such as handling the operations of the Metro Line railway services connecting Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina.

"Prasarana (Malaysia Bhd), a government-owned company, was awarded the contract to run the Metro Makkah, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina railway services and the RM900 million contract had brought pride to the nation.

"This is also another success for our transformation to the extent that we could penetrate the international market and a recognition to the Muslims in the country," he said.

He said this in his speech at the presentation of contribution in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan to the mosques, surau and senior citizens in the Chini area at Kampung Bukit Udang, near Pekan today.

Also present was the chairman of the State Committee on Felda Affairs, who is also the State Assemblyman for Chini, Abu Bakar Harun.

In addition, he said, the cordial diplomatic relations with the Saudi Arabian government also enabled the haj quota for Muslims in the country to be increased from time to time.

"Too many Muslims in this country can afford to perform the haj pilgrimage to the extent that if they are born today, they can only perform the pilgrimage 71 years later, that is, about 10 years after their retirement," he said.

He said that forging cordial relations with the other countries was his responsibility as the prime minister to ensure that Malaysia continued to be respected by the other countries.

"However, at the same time, as a Member of Parliament, I also have to discharge my responsibilities in the best manner possible for the constituents," he said.

At the function, Najib also handed over cash contributions, amounting to RM1,200 to 59 mosques and RM800 to 160 suraus, as well as dates, to celebrate the month of Ramadhan soon.